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 lines 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 Institute of Microbiology seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher

commencing on 01.08.2025
We offer part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), initially offered as a fixed-term position until 31.07.2028.

The Theoretical Microbial Ecology research group, led by Prof. Rosalind Allen, is part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the Friedrich Schiller University. The group seeks to understand how microbes survive, grow and interact in complex and changing environments. The group is especially interested in how microbial communities assemble and function and how bacteria respond to antibiotics in the human body. To study these topics the group combines computational and theoretical models with lab experiments.
Microbial communities are central in the stability and function of environmental and industrial ecosystems as well as in human, animal and plant health. Although we have advanced methods for probing the species composition of microbial communities, we are not yet able to predict their dynamics and stability. Mathematical models have a key role to play in understanding the complex compositional structure and dynamics of microbial communities. Several different modelling approaches are available but it is unclear which approach is optimal. Testing against experimental data is important for validating existing models and developing new ones. The group of Prof. Miriam Rosenbaum at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute) in Jena are collecting dynamical data on the community composition of microbial communities that are exposed to environmental disturbances. In this project, you will collaborate with Prof. Rosenbaum’s group to analyse these datasets and develop mathematical models that describe the dynamics of these communities and predict their response to disturbance. You may also collaborate with other experimental groups within the microverse cluster, and with experimental researchers within the theoretical microbial ecology group, to develop models for the dynamics of diverse types of microbial communities. If desired, there is scope to combine your theoretical modelling with experimental work in our own microbiological lab.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct research within the broad topic area of the DFG-funded Excellence Cluster “Balance of the Microverse”, using theoretical techniques including computer simulations.
• Specifically, develop theoretical models for microbial community dynamics and stability as well as analysing microbial community dynamics datasets.
• Develop and modify code in languages such as python, c++, matlab etc.
• Produce and analyse results and interact productively with experimental data provided by external collaborators, including using experimental data as input to models.
• Contribute to the development of 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, including participating actively in activities organised by the Balance of the Microverse Cluster.
• Write a dissertation to obtain a doctorate at the FSU Jena.
• Assist with training other researchers, including 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:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Complex Systems, Theoretical Ecology or related discipline. Candidates with life science degrees and a strong interest in mathematical modelling are also welcome. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply.
• Required methodological skills: computer programming (e.g. python, C, C++, matlab or other languages), computer simulation.
• Desired methodological skills: Experience in dynamical systems, biophysical modelling, population dynamics, systems biology, statistical data handling, computational biology or related topic. Prior microbial ecology knowledge is not required but interest in the topic is essential.
• Interest in performing experimental work as well as theory/simulations is welcome but is not required.
• You should be a highly motivated individual with an interest in joining an interdisciplinary research group and interacting with individuals from many different scientific backgrounds.
• Excellent skills at writing and oral communication, in English, are essential.

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network
• A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers
• 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) at salary scale 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

The advertised position will initially be offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 years, with the possibility of converting it into a permanent position if suitable and funding is available.

This is a part-time position with 65% of the working hours of a full-time employee (26 hours per week).

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 31.05.2025 using our online form.