1 Scientist / Postdoc Position Programmable RNA antibiotics (ASO technology)

Academic Europe; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading European research institution in Germany is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop programmable RNA antibiotics aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic lab on groundbreaking antisense oligonucleotide technology, contributing to innovative solutions for diverse microbes. Applicants must have a relevant PhD and a strong background in molecular biology or related fields. The position is permanent and offers a competitive salary based on the public sector pay scale in Germany.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in molecular biology or related disciplines.
• Experience with programmable RNA technologies is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Develop programmable RNA antibiotics for diverse microbes.
• Apply antisense oligonucleotides to modulate bacterial gene expression.
• Address antimicrobial resistance and develop solutions for intractable microbes.

Kenntnisse

Molecular biology

Biotechnology

Chemistry

Genomics

Computational science

Pharmaceutical science

Ausbildung

Doctoral / PhD degree

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Academic Europe Research Field Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 11 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Negotiable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

1 Scientist / Postdoc position

Programmable RNA antibiotics (ASO technology)

Applications are invited for the position of a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Prof. Jörg Vogel to develop and apply programmable RNA antibiotics for diverse microbes and phages (see, e.g., Gerovac M et al. 2025 Nature; Vogel J et al. 2024 RNA; Popella L et al. Nucleic Acids Research 2021, 2022). Such antisense technologies have the potential to yield a new generation of antimicrobials. Upon delivery into the bacterial cell, short antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can directly modulate bacterial gene expression, by suppressing mRNA translation of an essential target protein. The programmable nature of ASOs, based on simple base-pairing rules, allows rational and specific drug design and opens myriad applications including the rapid development of ASOs that can kill emerging pathogens, sensitize drug-resistant strains, or block expression of key virulence factors all while sparing the native microbiome. The Vogel offers multiple different projects for new applications of asobiotics that go beyond the mere killing of pathogens, such as interfering with undesired activities of commensals and even targeting bacteriophages (in the context of phage therapy). This way, we are addressing the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis and providing solutions for the analysis of genetically intractable microbes. More information about ongoing research in the Vogel lab can be found here (www.helmholtz-hiri.de/en/ ).

Applicants should have a doctoral / PhD degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, genomics, computational science or pharmaceutical science. Further information about available projects can be obtained by email to [e-mail] .

The position can be filled in full- or part-time asap and for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Salary will be based on the pay scale for the public sector in Germany (TV-L) and comply with qualification. The University aims to increase the proportion of female employees, therefore applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to handicapped persons in case of otherwise equal aptitude.

Please email your application by January 11th, 2026 including a short letter of motivation, CV and publication list, copies of relevant documents and certificates as well as contact information of two academic references, all in a single PDF file with the reference ‘ASO’ to Monika Schraut ([e-mail] ).

Please send copies only. For cost reasons, application documents cannot be returned. They will be destroyed shortly after the selection process has been completed. If you enclose a stamped envelope, your application documents will be returned to you three months after the selection process has been completed.