[Translate to English:] Doktorand am HIPS gesucht

Reference number: 131/2024

Research group: Anti-infectives from Microbiota
Hiring date: As soon as possible
Time limit: Initial contract for 3 years
Trial period: 6 months
Payment: A like E13 TVöD Bund (55%)
Application deadline: 10/30/2024

The MICA department, headed by Prof. Christine Beemelmanns, is looking for a doctoral candidate.

The Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) focusses on identifying and developing new treatment options for infectious diseases with an emphasis on natural product research. Especially researchers in the department of Microbial Natural Products are aiming to identify, investigate and optimize novel natural product based actives, applying diverse approaches and methods mainly from the field of biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. HIPS was jointly started in August 2009 by the HZI in Braunschweig and Saarland University on Campus Saarbrücken.

In 2015 HIPS moved into a new 4500 m² research building in which currently 220 international employees work. HIPS represents the first and only publicly funded extra-university research unit in Germany dedicated to pharmaceutical research. The Institute collaborates with universities and various industries both nationally and internationally.

The research project aims to study cryptic biosynthetic pathways encoded in protective bacterial symbionts. The newly generated knowledge should be transformed into novel natural products with protective (e.g. antibiotic) properties and biochemistry amiable for biotechnological processes.

The PhD project encompasses several key components and tasks:

Genome Mining of Marine Bacterial Genomes and Metagenomics Datasets
- Undertaking genome sequencing efforts to explore (meta)genomes.
- Evaluation of gene cluster pathways of hybrid character (e.g. PKS-NRPS combinations).
Heterologous Expression of Small Hybrid Gene Clusters:
- Design of gene constructs for expression in the host(s) of choice.
- Optimizing heterologous expression conditions
- Genetic manipulation of gene clusters and monitoring of product scaffolds by e.g. single point mutations, module exchange etc.
Metabolomic Analysis of Heterologous Products:
- Utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry to monitor product production.
- Identify products using advanced analytical tools (collaborating with experts).

Tasks

In this project, the successful candidate will contribute to genome sequencing efforts, focusing on identifying cryptic gene clusters encoded within (meta)genomes. Heterologous expression of selected sequences in different hosts will be carried out with subsequent monitoring of product production using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Collaborative efforts will involve using state-of-the-art analytical tools for product identification. The heterologously expressed biosynthetic enzymes will be tested for substrate scope and biochemical properties. This multi-faceted approach will enable the candidates to gain expertise in advanced molecular biological, biochemical and analytical tools with the aim to identify novel natural products with anti-infective properties.

Prerequisites

Master degree or equivalent in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy Chemistry, or related fields.
Strong understanding and hands on experience in laboratory and analytical techniques, in particular PCR and cloning techniques, primer design and knock-out studies
General understanding of chemical and biochemical transformations
Ability to pay attention to details, pursue research independently and work in a goal-oriented manner.
Willingness to work in a plural, collegial, international and interdisciplinary environment.
Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); very good skills in scientific writing

Advantageous for this position:

Experience in next-generation sequence methods/techniques
Isolation of bacterial strains, microbial cultivation techniques, phylogenomic analyses
Analysis of metabolites using hyphenated MS-based technqiues

Working hours

39 hours per week

We offer:

Modern laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation
A dynamic and international research environment
Extensive further training opportunities and the opportunity to enroll in a structured PhD program
Unique network of excellent partners to support your research endeavors
30 days vacation (24.12. & 31.12. are considered as completely free days)
An annual additional payment (Weihnachtsgeld) analogue to § 20 TVöD
Social security included
Flexible working hours and workplace design
DO IT- PhD initiative https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/de/karriere/do-it-doktorandeninitiative
Welcome Office, Family Office
Buddy System for new doctoral researchers

Disabled persons are given preference in the case of equal professional qualification. The HIPS aims for a corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.