PhD Position in Mechanisms of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Bacteria
Cluster of Excellence CMFI | now
The Drug-Microbiome and Microbiome-Host Interactions groups of the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI) at the University of Tübingen advertise a
PhD Position (d/f/m, E 13 TV-L, 65%) in Horizontal Gene Transfer in Bacteria to be filled as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to three years.
The research groups Drug-Microbiome, headed by Prof. Dr. Ana Rita Brochado, and Microbiome-Host Interactions, headed by Prof. Dr. Lisa Maier, are looking for a PhD student for an EU-funded joint project. The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research project aimed at investigating mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria using systems biology approaches. The PhD student will be integrated
into an EU-funded Marie Curie international PhD network of outstanding research groups across Europe to unravel mechanisms of antibiotic resistance (ENDAMR, www.endamr.eu).
We offer salary according to TV-L, E13 (65%). The possibility to work on a PhD thesis is given.
Our labs
Antimicrobial resistance is rising to alarming levels and new solutions are needed. Our groups study how bacteria cope with drugs in their environment, covering both mechanistic and ecological aspects of drug-microbe interactions. Our goal is to expose druggable features to aid treatment design, while gaining novel biological insight into how bacteria operate. We combine basic microbiology with high-throughput screening and systems biology approaches. We are a multidisciplinary team of international researchers. We value an open, international, friendly, and supportive environment within the lab. You can find more information about our groups at https://www.brochadolab.com and https://lisamaierlab.com.
Your tasks
- Designing and implementing experiments to investigate mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, in particular how the environment affects exchange or genetic material between the gut microbes Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium to promote the development of antibiotic resistance.
- This project will include high-throughput screening, proteomics and/or transcriptomics, and bacterial genetics of different bacterial pathogens.
- Developing innovative high-throughput screening approaches using high-end, user-friendly, automation robotic platforms.
- Preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
We provide
- Thorough onboarding and training in all relevant techniques.
- Structured PhD program in the framework of the Marie Curie doctoral network ENDAMR.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure.
- Opportunity to develop intellectual and soft skills.
- Opportunity to attend international conferences and closely interact with our collaboration partners.
- Close guidance and mentorship from leading experts in the field.
Your profile
- Master degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related subject.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
- Experimental (microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology). Computational skills (Python, R, Java or a related language) skills are a plus, but not mandatory.
- Scientific creativity and drive to address fundamental biological questions.
Contact Prof. Dr. Ana Rita Brochado (ana.brochado@
uni-tuebingen.
de) if you have any questions regarding the position or the labs.
Send your application as one pdf file by email to systemsmicro.recruit@
cmfi.uni-tuebingen.
de. The pdf file should contain: a cover letter, your CV including the name and contact of 2 academic referees, and relevant certificates. The review of applications will begin April 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
The university advocates equal rights for all genders and therefore urges women and gender-diverse people to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.
The hiring process is carried out by the central administration of the university.