Doctoral researcher (f/m/d) Project title: ‘Mapping the spatial ecology of intestinal infections’
- Research group
- Bacterial Infection Ecology
- Hiring date
- Early2025
- Time limit
- initial contract for 3 years
- Trial period
- 6 months
- Payment
- alike E13 TVöD Bund (65%)
- Application deadline
- 11/17/2024
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.
The Research Unit:
The Jahn Lab, located at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, is at the forefront of microbiome research, focusing on the spatial structure of our microbiota and its impact on health. We are a growing, dynamic team that offers opportunities for new members to set their mark and to shape the labs culture and development.
With our technology-driven approaches to mapping the microbiota, we aim to unlock how our microbial communities promote health and defend against disease. Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Jahn (website: https://martinjahn.co.uk), the unit values collaboration and creativity, encouraging team members to contribute their unique perspectives. The open nature of the lab allows members to actively participate in the shaping of cutting-edge projects.
Mission: The mission of the Jahn lab is to pioneer research on the spatial ecology of microbiota and its interactions with the mammalian host, contributing to the HZI’s broader focus on understanding and combating infectious diseases. By investigating how the structure of the gut microbiota influences health, pathogen resistance, and inflammation, we aim to make significant strides toward the development of microbiome-based therapies.
Tasks
The PhD project, “Mapping the Spatial Ecology of Gut Infection,” aims to investigate how the spatial organisation of gut microbiota influences infection outcomes. Towards this goal, the successful candidate will use and further develop cutting-edge imaging techniques, with an initial focus on the pathogen Salmonella enterica. Within this framework, the work offers flexibility to incorporate the skills and interests of the successful candidate.
Prerequisites
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related fields
- Experience in microbiology, incl. molecular biology and fluorescence microscopy techniques
- Strong interest in combining wet lab & computational approaches, with a technical affinity such as towards automation, imaging, and AI
- Basic coding skills in R and/or Python
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proactive and collaborative attitude, with organizational skills, and creative thinking
Advantageous but not essential for this position:
- Experience in animal experimentation (e.g., FELASA standards, or comparable)
- Experience in Experience in human and/or animal cell culture
- anaerobic culture of bacteria
- Previous work at biosafety level 2
Working hours
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We offer:
- Modern laboratories, including S3 unit
- State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation
- Ample biological profiling platforms (in vitro and in vivo)
- A lively scientific community
- 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
- A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
- Welcome Office
- Buddy System for new doctoral researchers
Family Office, Child Holiday Care
The successful candidate will be integrated in the HZI International Graduate School for Infection Research (GS-FIRE) which provides an innovative structured PhD programme within the field of Infection Research https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/de/karriere/graduiertenschule/curriculum/.
Disabled persons are given preference in the case of equal professional qualifications. The HZI aims for professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.
