Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Phage Biology

The Research Group of Dr. Kengmo Tchoupa at the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine at the University of Tübingen is recruiting a

Postdoc in Phage Biology (f/m/d, E 13 TV-L, 100%)

to be filled as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to one year.

The Project The research project, funded by the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), aims to decipher whether and how temperate phages (un)lock lipid modifying enzymes (LIMEs) of Staphylococcus aureus and potentially shape lipid landscapes at bacteria–eukaryotic host interfaces (Camus et al., ISME, 2026). The ideal candidate will genetically manipulate S. aureus to investigate prophage excision, subsequent LIME activation, and phage induction.

The candidate should have:

A PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related subjects.
Experience with molecular cloning and bacterial strain engineering.
Scientific creativity and drive to address fundamental biological questions.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

We offer:

A stimulating, international research environment within the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT).
Integration into the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI).
Dedicated technical support from our skilled laboratory technicians, who accelerate your research by managing routine lab operations (media and plate preparation, waste disposal) and assisting with experimental workflows.
Close mentorship in a dynamic research group, with opportunities to gain teaching and leadership experience by supervising undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (MSc) students.
Active support and encouragement in applying for independent postdoctoral fellowships (e.g., EMBO, Marie Skłodowska-Curie) to foster your scientific career and independence.
Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and core facilities at the University of Tübingen.

How to apply:

Send your application by email to Dr. Arnaud Kengmo Tchoupa (arnaud.kengmo-tchoupa@uni-tuebingen.de). The application should include: a cover letter, your CV (including contact details for three academic referees and a publications list), and relevant certificates. Informal inquiries can also be sent to Dr. Arnaud Kengmo Tchoupa.

The review of applications will begin August 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. The university is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore encourages qualified female scientists to apply.

zurück