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.

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is an ambitious Graduate School with over 130 doctoral and postdoctoral scientists. We offer structured, interdisciplinary PhD and career training programs based on top-level fundamental research. They conceptually combine different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication. The Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts.

The research group of Microbial Immunology at the JSMC and the ‘Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse’ invites applications for a

• Perform in vivo and in vitro experiments and work independently towards your doctoral research project
• Analyse project results, generate figures for publications, and write scientific manuscripts for publication
• Present your results at local, national, and international meetings and conferences
• Work closely together with other experimental and computational researchers in the research group and within the Cluster
• Assist with training and supervising other researchers (e.g. student assistants, BSc students)
• Contribute to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment in our team
  
  

• An MSc in Microbiology, Infection Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or closely related disciplines (incl. medicine/veterinary medicine). Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their MSc are encouraged to apply
• Knowledge and experience in microbiology methods (essential); experience in metabolomics/microbiome analysis or working with laboratory animals is an advantage
• Willingness to learn basic computational methods
• A high level of curiosity, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail
• A cooperative personality actively seeking to contribute to our interdisciplinary and inclusive Microverse community
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network
• The Jena School for Microbial Communication offers a structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program based on top-level fundamental research and provides comprehensive mentoring programs and soft skills courses
• Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• A dedicated management team, providing support and information on non-scientific subjects, such as onboarding and family life, and organising individualised career development programs and events on topics like mental health and communication
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
  
  

The 3-year doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) will be funded through the JSMC through the Thuringian State government (2026-2028) and subsequently through the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State governments (2029). The University of Jena and the participating research institutes are equal opportunity employers. Part-time contracts can be discussed. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. The employment contract will be with the Leibniz-HKI.

To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are particularly welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to join us? Then, apply by August 20th, 2026, using our online portal.