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Doctoral Researcher in Microbe-Induced Rejuvenation in Microalgae

Analytical Chemistry at the Institute for Inorganic und Analytical Chemistry, University of Jena

The research group of Prof. Georg Pohnert at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Chemical Biololgy of Microbe-Induced Rejuvenation in Microalgae commencing on April 1, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65 %, fixed-term position for 3.5 years) at the University of Jena.

Combining the toolbox of analytical chemistry with biological experiments paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries. In this project we will follow this approach to investigate new mechanisms of cellular aging. Senescence, or the decline of cellular function with age, is known in higher organisms
but also affects microbial cells and populations, impacting microbiome health and host longevity. However, the molecular mechanisms driving senescence and rejuvenation in microorganisms are only partially understood. We recently found that the planktonic microalga Coscinodiscus radiatus can undergo nutrient-induced rejuvenation associated with the release of extracellular vesicles that transport harmful substances out of the cell (Deng et al., Nature Microbiology 9, 2356 (2024)). This project aims to investigate the induction and ecological role of rejuvenation processes within a microbial plankton community. Our study system will pinpoint critical chemical signals and biological processes affecting aging and rejuvenation in microbes and their hosts, uncovering the role of microbial communities in this process.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026

Doctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry

Organic synthesis methods at the Institute for Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Jena

The research group of Prof. Ivan Vilotijevic at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry commencing on January 1st, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65%, fixed-term position for 3.5 years) at the University of Jena.

The project spans the areas of photocatalysis, organic synthesis and peptide chemistry. It aims to develop novel synthetic methods for site selective chemical modification of peptides and apply these methods in modification of natural products involved in microbial signalling and microbial communication.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026

Postdoctoral Researcher in Ancient Metagenomics and Microbiome Sciences

Microbiome Sciences Research Group at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig

The research group of Prof. Tina Warinner at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ancient Metagenomics and Microbiome Sciences commencing on March 1st, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a full-time position (100%, fixed-term position for 2 years) at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany

This postdoc project will apply ancient metagenomics to investigate the evolution and ecology of ancient oral microbiota, specifically by exploring aspects of phylogenetic and functional diversity in poorly studied oral microbial clades with the aim of understanding how microbes establish in new oral habitats. The postdoc will work under the supervision of Prof. Christina Warinner within a broader team of postdocs and students exploring ancient microbial biodiversity and function.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026

Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Structural Biology

Biostructural Interactions at the Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Jena

The research group of Prof. Ute Hellmich at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Structural Biology commencing on July 1st, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a full-time position (100%, fixed-term position for 2 years) at the University of Jena.

You will investigate the conformational dynamics and structural principles that govern membrane proteins involved in microbial communication. Your primary focus will be transporters responsible for natural product extrusion and antibiotic resistance, as well as histidine kinases that mediate natural product sensing. Your research will draw on a versatile toolkit of biochemical, biophysical and microbiological methods, with particular attention to protein–protein, protein–lipid and protein–ligand interactions. Working closely with colleagues in the community, you will map the allosteric signaling networks within multidomain membrane proteins and use these insights to derive general mechanisms that address fundamental biological questions.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026