Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) in Bioinformatics of Non-coding RNA and Infection

Job Advertisement 
Leibniz-HKI-61/2023

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-based antibiotics. We invite talented and highly gifted candidates to apply as

Doctoral Researcher (f/div/m) in Bioinformatics of Non-coding RNA and Infection

How do fungal pathogens use extracellular RNA and/or extracellular vesicles to manipulate their host during infection? What is the role of interkingdom communication between fungi and human cells during infection? These are the central questions being addressed in a groundbreaking, collaborative project led by Dr. Amelia Barber (Uni Jena), Dr. Holger Bierhoff (Uni Jena), and Dr. Matthew Blango (Leibniz-HKI). The successful candidate will be employed by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and will be based in the group of Dr. Amelia Barber (Uni Jena), whose group uses both experimental and bioinformatic approaches to understand fungal infection and antifungal resistance.

Your responsibilities:

• Analysis of RNA sequencing data and other high throughput data (e.g. ChIP-seq)
• Prediction of interkingdom, RNA-based interactions
• Generation of figures for publication and writing of scientific manuscripts about your results
• Presentation of your results at local meetings and national and international conferences
• Working closely with other experimental and computational members of the group
• Assisting other researchers in the group, such as BS and MS students, with their training
• Contribution to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment within the group

Your profile:

• MSc (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, microbiology, biochemistry, computer science, or a related discipline
• Knowledge and expertise in the analysis of biological high-throughput data
• Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
• Experience with programming (e.g. R, Python, Perl, or C++)
• Experience in working with NGS data and/or RNA structural predictions would be advantageous, but is not required
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project
• Highly motivated individuals with an interest in joining an interdisciplinary research project and working group
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic research community in Jena and supporting group research activities
• Very good English communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network
• The affiliated Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers an ambitious, structured, and interdisciplinary doctoral training based on top-level fundamental research and offers 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)

Further information:

Dr. Amelia Barber | +49 3641 9-49793 | career@leibniz-hki.de

Applications:

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer and part-time contracts can be discussed.

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, and the addresses of two possible referees, and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is November 30, 2023, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.