Summary
Kiel University, Germany, invites applications for a PhD position in Microbial Evolutionary Genetics within the Evolutionary Microbiology Group, Institute of General Microbiology. The project focuses on understanding the evolutionary dynamics of bacterial plasmids, their role in microbial adaptation, and horizontal gene transfer. The selected candidate will conduct molecular biology, microbial genetics, and experimental evolution research leading to a doctoral dissertation.
PhD Scholarship/Position in Microbial Evolutionary Genetics at Kiel University, Germany
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship/Position Title | PhD Position in Microbial Evolutionary Genetics |
| University | Kiel University |
| Department/Institute | Institute of General Microbiology, Evolutionary Microbiology Group |
| Position Type | PhD Research Position |
| Research Area | Microbial Evolutionary Genetics, Bacterial Genetics, Plasmid Biology |
| Location | Kiel, Germany |
| Working Hours | 25.155 hours/week (65% position) |
| Salary | Up to E 13 TV-L (according to eligibility and collective agreement conditions) |
| Duration | 01 October 2026 – 30 September 2030 |
| Application Deadline | 06 September 2026 |
Subject Area
- Microbial Evolutionary Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Bacterial Genetics
- Plasmid Evolution
- Horizontal Gene Transfer
- Experimental Evolution
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
Location
Institute of General Microbiology
Am Botanischen Garten 11
24118 Kiel, Germany
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have:
- A completed Master’s degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Knowledge of bacterial genetics and microbial evolution.
- Experience with molecular genetic techniques, including:
- Recombinant DNA methods
- Plasmid construction and engineering
- Generation and characterization of bacterial or fungal strains
- Good written and spoken English skills (minimum B2 level).
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience in bacterial genetics, plasmid biology, horizontal gene transfer, or experimental evolution.
- Experience with molecular biology project design and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of evolutionary biology, population genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or biostatistics.
Scholarship/Research Description
The PhD researcher will work on a project investigating how bacterial plasmids evolve and contribute to microbial adaptation and horizontal gene transfer.
Key research activities include:
- Conducting research in microbial evolutionary genetics.
- Designing and performing molecular biology and microbial genetics experiments.
- Constructing and analyzing genetically modified bacterial strains.
- Establishing experimental systems for studying plasmid evolution.
- Performing experimental evolution studies.
- Processing, statistically analyzing, and interpreting scientific data.
- Presenting findings at international conferences.
- Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Completing a doctoral dissertation.
Benefits
The position offers:
- Salary according to the German TV-L collective agreement.
- Annual bonus payment.
- Flexible working hours and work-life balance support.
- 30 days of paid annual leave.
- University benefits including cafeteria and sports facilities.
- Public transportation benefits.
- Employer-supported pension plan.
- Opportunities for professional development in an international research environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the Kiel University recruitment portal. Applications submitted through other methods will not be considered.
Contact Person:
Prof. Dr. Tal Dagan
Institute of General Microbiology
Phone: +49 431 880 5712
Last Date to Apply
06 September 2026
