The Functional Metabolomics Lab, part of the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI) at the University of Tübingen, aims to understand and control microbial communities in order to contribute to the fight against infections. The group uses a multidisciplinary approach at the interface of natural product research, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, and proteomics as well as chemical biology (www.functional-metabolomics.com).

The lab's science mission is to develop and apply mass spectrometry-based tools to systematically determine the role of small molecules in complex microbial communities and to mine them for novel bioactive compounds. For the development and application of native mass spectrometry and bioactivity guided metabolomics methods we are looking for a:

PhD Student (f/m/d)

The project will focus on the method development and application of native MS, HPLC fractionation, and bioactivity-guided approaches in combination with non-targeted metabolomics for the screening of culture extracts and environmental samples.

For the position, we offer salary according to TV-L, E13 (65%). Besides supportive mentoring and guidance for your individual career development, we provide detailed scientific training on state-of-the-art equipment and open, community-focused science communication. Beyond scientific publications, this will include conference visits, organization and attendance of workshops and possible research visits to other universities and field sites.

As part of the Cluster of Excellence CMFI in Tübingen you will be located in an excellent research environment with plenty of potential collaboration partners, a high amount of autonomy, and possibilities to develop your own research ideas.

At the time of employment, the candidate should have a masters or equivalent degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. We expect that the candidate is interested in highly interdisciplinary research, has an independent, responsible and committed work attitude, and is fluent in (scientific) English.

We expect good knowledge of bioanalytical techniques, in particular mass spectrometry as well as biochemistry and/or microbiology.

Ideally, the candidate will bring basic statistical and computational skills (e.g., scripting in Python, R, or MATLAB) and an interest to learn computational methods for mass spectrometry data analysis.

Applications or questions about the position should be sent to daniel.petras@uni-tuebingen.de.

Please send your application as a single PDF file that includes: a brief statement on your interests and experience; your CV; contact information for two academic references; and university transcripts.

The University of Tübingen is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age.

The review of applications will begin in August 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

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