Biologe (m/w/d)

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena; Jena; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 54.000; Teilzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Family-friendly working environment

University health promotion

University sports

Zusammenfassung

Friedrich Schiller University Jena invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Viral Ecology (m/f/d). The 65% (26 hours/week) position starts on 01 December 2026 and runs until 30 June 2030, within the DFG-funded VirusREvolution project.

The PhD project investigates how host range and environmental factors shape virus diversity in soil and groundwater communities. You will conduct experiments on virus–host interactions, analyze metagenomic and viromic data, collaborate with project

Qualifikationen

• Master of Science in biology, microbiology, microbial ecology, virology, bioinformatics, or related discipline.
• Experience in experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, and molecular biological methods; knowledge of sequencing-based bioinformatic approaches (metagenomics, viromics); experience with virus-host interactions are desirable.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.
• Excellent skills in English are required, both written and spoken.

Aufgaben

• Conduct experimental work and analyses on virus-host interactions in soil and groundwater ecosystems, including host-range assays, environmental sampling, and targeted microcosm experiments
• Analyse metagenomic and viromic data sets from soil and groundwater samples to identify broad- and narrow-host-range viruses to characterize their quasispecies characteristics
• Participation in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and close collaboration with the tandem project partner
• Engage in regular discussions with other group and project members
• Collaborate with BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Publish papers and present your work at national and international scientific meetings

Kenntnisse

Experimental microbiology

Microbial ecology

Molecular biology methods

Bioinformatics (metagenomics/viromics)

English language proficiency

Ausbildung

Master of Science in biology or related field

Tools

Metagenomics analysis tools

Viromics tools

Bioinformatics pipelines

Jobbeschreibung

About The University

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light - Life - Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

Position

Doctoral Researcher in Viral Ecology (m/f/d)

Commencing on 01 December 2026. We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), with a fixed-term employment until 30 June 2030.

Research Centre

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1768 “VirusREvolution: Decoding tools for virus research” is a highly ambitious research centre at Friedrich Schiller University with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation (https://virusrevolution.uni-jena.de/). Its integrated research training group is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program and invites applications for doctoral and postdoctoral researcher positions in various fields of research.

Project Description

In this doctoral project “Do viruses exploit their quasispecies for host range evolution?”, you will investigate how host range and environmental conditions shape virus diversity and virus-host interactions in natural and experimentally manipulated microbial communities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental work and analyses on virus-host interactions in soil and groundwater ecosystems, including host-range assays, environmental sampling, and targeted microcosm experiments
• Analyse metagenomic and viromic data sets from soil and groundwater samples to identify broad- and narrow-host-range viruses to characterize their quasispecies characteristics
• Participation in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and close collaboration with the tandem project partner
• Engage in regular discussions with other group and project members
• Collaborate with BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Publish papers and present your work at national and international scientific meetings

Candidate Requirements

A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in biology, microbiology, microbial ecology, virology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline.

Experience in experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, and molecular biological methods; knowledge of sequencing-based bioinformatic approaches (metagenomics, viromics); experience with virus-host interactions are desirable.

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Excellent skills in English are required, both written and spoken.

Benefits and Support

• Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, experienced research group and a large, ambitious research consortium
• Affiliation to an Integrated Research Training Group, offering close support and a comprehensive education program for hard skills and transferable skills, supported by the Jena Graduate Academy
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities

Remuneration

Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E13 - depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications -, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.

Leave

30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31.

Candidates with severe d...