The Systems Biology of Antibiotics group of the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI) at the University of Tübingen advertises a PhD Position (d/f/m, E 13 TV-L, 65%) in Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action to be filled as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to three years.

The research group Systems Biology of Antibiotics headed by Prof. Dr. Ana Rita Brochado is looking for a PhD student. The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research project aimed at investigating mechanisms of antimicrobial activity and resistance using systems biology approaches.

We offer salary according to TV-L, E13 (65%). The possibility to work on a PhD thesis is given.

Our lab

Antimicrobial resistance is rising to alarming levels and new solutions are needed. We study how bacteria cope (or not!) with drugs in their environment. 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 group at https://www.brochadolab.com.

Your tasks

Designing and implementing experiments to investigate how antibiotics work against bacteria alone and in combination with other stresses, especially how apparently unrelated genetic elements (e.g. transport functions, bacterial immunity) impact antibiotic treatment. This project will include high-throughput screening, proteomics, and bacterial genetics of different bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Developing innovative high-throughput screening approaches using high-end, user-friendly, automation robotic platforms.
Data analysis and interpretation using different computational tools for high-throughput phenomics, proteomics and genomics.
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.
State-of-the-art infrastructure.
Opportunity to develop intellectual and soft skills.
Opportunity to attend international conferences and interact with our international collaboration partners.
Close guidance and mentorship from leading experts in the field, including a postdoc within the lab.

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) OR computational skills (Python, R, Java or a related language) skills are a plus.
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 lab.

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 May 15, 2024 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.

back