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 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Theoretical Microbial Ecology group, led by Professor Rosalind Allen, is part of the Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, at the Friedrich Schiller University. The group combines theoretical and computational modelling with microbiological and biophysical experiments to investigate how microbes survive, grow and interact in complex and changing environments, with a special focus on antibiotic action. The group is one of the partners in the Wellcome Trust-funded collaborative project “A Matter of life or death - an integrated understanding of MRSA”, together with researchers at the University of Sheffield and Harvard University. They seek to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Researcher Position (full-time)
in Biophysical modelling of the bacterial cell envelope

commencing on or after 1st June 2025.

This position is part of our Wellcome Trust-funded research programme combining microbial physiology, biochemistry and genetics with biophysics, mathematical modelling and imaging, to understand growth, division and antibiotic resistance. This programme is in collaboration with researchers at Sheffield University (UK; Prof. Simon Foster, Prof. Jamie Hobbs, Prof. Jeff Green, Dr. Rebecca Corrigan) and Harvard University (USA; Prof. Ethan Garner). The project focuses on the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is an important human pathogen. S. aureus is a Gram positive, round-shaped bacterium with a thick peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. PG synthesis is the target of the most important antibiotics that are used to treat S. aureus infections, since the cell wall plays a crucial role in growth and division. Yet important fundamental questions remain about the biophysics of the cell wall, including: how is turgor pressure distributed across the components of the cell envelope (membrane, periplasm and PG)?, and how does the cell wall maintain its stability despite dynamical turnover during growth and division?

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to address these and similar questions by developing and interrogating coarse-grained biophysical models. We plan to take a theoretical/computational soft matter physics approach: relevant methods might include molecular dynamics simulations of polymer networks, Poisson-Boltzmann theory for ionic distributions in complex geometries and calculation of mechanical stress distributions. However, the details are flexible, depending on the expertise and interests of the applicant. Close interactions are planned with experimental work being performed both in our group in Jena, and by our collaborators at Sheffield University and Harvard University. You will be expected to take a leading role in project direction, and in developing collaborations with other researchers.

The project is planned as a full-time position, over 2 years. However, we are open to other suggestions, e.g. for part-time work.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop theoretical /computational models for the soft matter biophysics of the Grampositive cell envelope, to a high standard.
• Contribute to the development of the project direction, as the project evolves.
• Produce high-quality written reports and draft papers. Present your results at local meetings and national and international conferences.
• Assist with training other researchers, including PhD candidates, Masters’ and undergraduate project students, where required.
• Assist with the teaching activities of the group where required.
• Contribute to maintaining the friendly, welcoming and collaborative environment within the group.

Your profile:

• A PhD in biophysics, statistical or computational physics, theoretical soft matter physics, or related discipline, or a PhD in a biological discipline with a strong theoretical biophysics component. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their doctorate are also eligible to apply.
• Specialist knowledge and practical expertise in one or more relevant methods, such as molecular simulation, biopolymer physics, statistical physics, soft matter physics, other biophysical modelling.
• A strong interest in bacterial physiology and antibiotic response.
• Track record of developing, managing, performing, presenting and publishing high-level scientific research.
• Enthusiasm and talent for interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and for interaction with experimental microbiologists and biophysicists.
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic community in Jena and in the Wellcome Trust project team
• English communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network
• The opportunity to join an internationally renowned group of researchers from different countries working on a fundamental science problem that is also clinically important
• A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers as part of the early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder’)
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• 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 E 13 (depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications) including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

This two-year full-time position will be funded by the Wellcome Trust, with the possibility of a one-year extension depending on future funding. Other contract arrangements can be discussed. To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are especially welcome.

Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and copies of academic certificates.

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

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 28.03.2025 using our online form.