Post Doc / Leader (m/f/d) Junior Research Group - Center for Infection Research

Position

Post Doc / Leader (m/f/d) Junior Research Group - Center for Infection Research at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). Institute of Medical Microbiology (Director: Prof. Dr. med. Jan Rupp)

Overview

The Junior Research Group (JRG) on the “Translation of evolutionary principles into antimicrobial treatment strategies” will develop diagnostic tools and therapeutic recommendations to integrate key evolutionary principles into novel strategies combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The JRG will take advantage of the latest findings in evolutionary biology on AMR emergence and spread, as well as antimicrobial resilience, to guide a clinical study on urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim is to optimize single or combined treatment regimens against both susceptible and resistant bacteria, considering not only antimicrobial efficacy but also the functional impact of substances on bacterial fitness, life-history trade-offs, growth dynamics, and resistance resilience. The JRG will be embedded in the Thematic Translational Unit (TTU) Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) of DZIF and will contribute to combating AMR and optimizing antibacterial treatment strategies. Strong links within the DZIF network provide favorable conditions for translating the subject area into a translational therapeutic approach in humans. The position is available from 01.01.2026, initially for a period of 5 years.

What we offer

• Placement in pay group E13 TV-L, if you fulfil the requirements of the collective agreement
• Full-time employment, currently 38.5 hours per week. Part-time employment may be possible within certain working time models
• A modern scientific infrastructure as the basis for efficient scientific work and personal development
• Additional benefits of UKSH are available here: Benefits (uksh.de)

Your role

• PhD position directly assigned to the project that will be filled by the JRG leader
• Interdisciplinary team of senior researchers from different disciplines and direct integration in projects funded by the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
• Continuous development of novel experimental tissue culture/organoid models and up-to-date multi-omics techniques

Your qualifications

• Integrative personality with enthusiasm for active participation in research
• PhD degree in life sciences with research experience in infection and/or cell biology, immunology, biochemistry and/or bacterial genetics
• Successful track record documented by publications; if available, 3rd party funding
• Spontaneity and a high level of adaptability in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Interest to develop leadership skills and good communication skills in English

We look forward to receiving your application by 10.09.2025, quoting our job advertisement number 26993.