The Friedrich Schiller University Jena connects people and ideas, science and economy, institutions of higher education and external research organizations. Being rooted in the heart of Germany and having worldwide bonds, it characterizes the city of Jena as a future-oriented and cosmopolitan location.

At the Institute of Biodiversity / Aquatic Geomicrobiology Group of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the following position is available at the earliest possible date:

Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Assistant

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist, who wants to establish his or her own field of research in the field of geomicrobiology with a focus on metabolic physiology and genetics of ecologically relevant microorganisms in aquatic or terrestrial habitats. An alternative orientation is the field of systems biology (‘multi omics’, integrative omics), with emphasis on the application of different high-throughput methods, in order to investigate and understand the interaction of microorganisms in biogeochemically relevant communities. Acquisition of third-party funds and collaboration with ongoing large-scale projects in our very dynamic international research group is expected. This position offers the possibility of further education and habilitation.

Your responsibilities

• Teaching courses (exercises, practical training, seminars) in the bachelor study programs Biology and Biogeosciences in German language, and in the master study programs Ecology, Evolution and Systematics as well as Microbiology and Biogeosciences to the extent of 4 LVS in English language
• Establishment of a small research group in an own research area of geomicrobiology or systems biology
• Supervision of students and doctoral candidates in degree theses
• Expectation to work on a scientific qualification

We expect

• University degree with PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, biogeochemistry or similar fields
• Extensive knowledge of microbial physiology, biochemistry and cultivation and/or
• Experience with high-throughput techniques, such as NGS, (meta-)genomics, (meta‑)transcriptomics, (meta-)proteomics
• Knowledge in bioinformatics (creation of analysis pipelines, programming in Python/Perl/R) is desirable
• Ability to work in a team, self-initiative
• Excellent communication and language skills in English
• Very good to excellent publications in internationally renowned magazines

We offer

• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g., Job Ticket (discounts for public transport) and occupational pension plan (VBL)
• An environment that is complemented by a variety of cooperation opportunities in and around Jena and within the Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• University health promotion and a family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours
• A three year full-time postdoctoral researcher position (100% TV-L E13)
• A salary in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement for the public service sector of the Federal States (TV-L), in accordance with personal qualifications up to salary scale E13
• The position is initially limited for 3 years; an extension is possible. It is a full-time position (40 hours per week).
• In case of equal qualifications, severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration.

Please send us your complete and informative application documents (as one PDF file: Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, Certificates, Reviews, etc) addressed to Prof. Dr. Kirsten Küsel and providing the vacancy ID: 347/2020 by 20 November 2020 to:

aquat.geomikrobiologie@uni-jena.de