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 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. We integrate insights across ecological and medical fields to enhance our understanding of microbial balance from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We develop tools and detection technologies to shape microbiome dynamics for environmental and human health benefits. The affiliated early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication offers an ambitious, structured and interdisciplinary post-graduate training based on top-level fundamental research.

The research group of Dr. Matthew Agler at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher in Resolving the Chemical Communication of Plant Microbiome Assembly

commencing on January 1, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65%, fixed-term position for 3.5 years) at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena.

Project Description:
Germinating seedlings emerge with under-developed immune systems into soil, a hyper-diverse microbial wilderness with an abundance of opportunistic pathogens. Survival is uncertain, but by engaging in chemical communication with and recruiting microorganisms, especially bacteria, their chances seem to be greatly improved. One major barrier to understanding and ultimately managing these interactions is that they develop on small scales in highly spatially structured environments. In this collaborative project, we aim to take advantage of the unique research environment and tools available in Jena to spatially characterize community assembly processes and chemical interactions at the host interface. Ultimately, our goal is to move toward a predictive framework for assembly of protective host-associated microbiomes.

Your responsibilities:

• Working creatively and independently to contribute to development of your doctoral research project and to design and perform laboratory and potentially field experiments
• 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

Your profile:

• An MSc in (plant) biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related discipline. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their MSc are encouraged to apply
• Experience with molecular biological techniques, gnotobiotic host-microbe experimentation, structural/functional microbial community analysis and/or metabolomics is ideal
• The project will require someone who is motivated to learn challenging new techniques outside their field and who has the ability and determination to do so
• 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
• Very good written and spoken English communication skills

Are you unsure 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 and collaborative atmosphere within an energetic, interdisciplinary and international 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 organizing individualized career development programs, and events on topics like diversity and collaboration
• 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 3.5 year doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) is funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The employment contract will be with the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena    

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 October 20, 2025 using our online portal.