Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The junior research group of Robotic-assisted Discovery of Antiinfectives seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in drug discovery and lab automation

start at the earliest possible date

This project is a close collaboration between Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI,www.leibniz-hki.de) and focuses on fully automated assays for the discovery and development of antimicrobial agents and neglected tropical diseases. You will work on a new robotic infrastructure that is being established at the Leibniz-HKI and you can make a significant contribution to the fight against infectious diseases. The new technology platform includes robotic arms that bring the test plate to various devices (e.g., pipetting robots, various readers including microscope, incubators, centrifuge and barcode printer). This project is funded by the Free State of Thuringia with means of the European Social Fund (ESF).

Your responsibilities:

• The development of biochemical and microbiological assays and their implementation on a new robotics platform
• Independently conduct experiments, analyse and interpret data, present results in seminars and conferences
• Tutoring of other researchers, including masters and bachelors students
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team of experimental and data scientists

Your profile:

• MSc degree with focus on microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field
• Experience in cell culture, image acquisition and analysis are preferred
• Ideally, experience with liquid handling systems and implementation of screenings
• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python or R) are an advantage
• The ability to work independently and proactively
• Excellent communication skills in German and English is necessary

We offer:

• A communicative environment with an active scientific community
• Excellent technical facilities and strong local, national and international scientific collaborations
• Participation in the structured program of the Jena graduate schools International Leibniz Research School or the Jena School for Microbial Communication
• A comprehensive mentoring program including training in soft skills offered by the Graduate Academy
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder);
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E13, 65% —depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.

The advertised position is (initially) limited to until 31.12.2025. This is a part-time position (26 hours per week).

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Further information:
Dr. Luzia Gyr | +49 3641 532 1481 | career@leibniz-hki.de

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application via the Leibniz-HKI application portal , stating the vacancy ID 072/2023 by 31 March 2023 or to