Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) in Microbial Molecular Genetics

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll
Institute (Leibniz-HKI, www.leibniz-hki.de) investigates the pathobiology of humanpathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based
antibiotics. The junior research group (Epi-)Genetic Regulation of Fungal Virulence invites
talented and highly qualified candidates, willing to start as soon as possible, to apply as a

Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) in Microbial Molecular Genetics

for three years initially.

Research Area:

Members of the genus Fusarium are some of the few trans-kingdom fungal pathogens, being
able to infect plants, and at the same time, cause severe superficial and invasive infections in
humans – called fusariosis. While immunocompromised patients usually suffer from systemic
diseases, serious eye infections (keratitis) can occur even on completely healthy individuals.
Recently, Fusarium species were listed in the high priority group of the World Health
Organization’s fungal pathogens list. We are now working towards improved diagnosis and
understanding of the infection of this emerging human pathogen with a collaborative project
funded by the Free State of Thuringia with means of the European Social Fund (ESF).
We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic PhD student to start at the earliest possible date.
The objective of the PhD project is to generate and characterize fungal gain- and loss-offunction mutants under the use of different molecular biology tools.

Candidate’s profile:

Master degree in (Molecular) Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related discipline
Experimental background in the handling and genetic manipulation of microbes, as well as different DNA- and RNA-based techniques
Expertise with animal experiments or chemical analyses are a plus
Ability to perform team-oriented as well as independent work
Very good communication skills in English are necessary

We offer:

The successful candidate will be hosted by the junior research group (Epi-)Genetic Regulation
of Fungal Virulence of Dr. Slavica Janevska. We offer an interdisciplinary scientific project in a
young and committed team, with excellent technical facilities and strong local, national and
international scientific collaborations.

The PhD candidate will participate in the structured program of the Jena graduate school
International Leibniz Research School or the Jena School for Microbial Communication. The
Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus
providing state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science
groups.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an
equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increase the percentage of female
scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.

Further information:

Dr. Slavica Janevska | +49 3641 532 1188 | career@leibniz-hki.de

Applications:

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of
publications, a brief statement of research experiences, a certificate of study/transcript of
records, the addresses of two possible referees, and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI
online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is February 10, 2023, but
applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis