Junior Research Group Leader in Pathogenic Ecophysiology (m/f/d) Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
The following full-time (38.5 hours/week) position is to be filled as soon as possible in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology of the University Hospital Bonn in collaboration with the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF):
Junior Research Group Leader in Pathogenic Ecophysiology (m/f/d)
The position will initially be installed for a period of 5 years due the project, starting from 1 January 2026.
This junior research group leader position, based at the DZIF location in Bonn-Cologne, is assigned to the DZIF research area “Healthcare-Associated Infections” (TTU HAI) and will be located at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology (IPM) of the University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn.
The junior research group will strengthen translational infection research at DZIF with a focus on innovative interventions against antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens of healthcare-associated infections. Special emphasis will be on bacterial decolonization of human pathogenic bacteria from the human gut microbiome. The candidate will further develop the field of “Pathogen Ecophysiology“ to identify traits that support pathogen survival and competitiveness within the microbiome, aiming to discover potential targets for novel anti-infectives or targeted decolonization agents. Ideally, the candidate will also advance the bioreactor-based in vitro gut model established at the IPM.
The candidate is expected to support central DZIF projects related to healthcare-associated infections and new anti-infectives, and to advance basic and translational research within the interactive and interdisciplinary networks of IPM and DZIF.
Your tasks
- Independent establishment and leadership of a junior research group
- Research work in the translational infection research field of DZIF with a focus on “Pathogenic Ecophysiology”
- Identification of novel targets for the selective elimination or decolonization of pathogens associated with healthcare-related infections
- Further development of a bioreactor-based in vitro gut model is desired
Your profile
- Completed university degree and PhD in biology, medicine, or related disciplines with a strong microbiological background
- Proven expertise in working with human pathogenic bacteria and experience with strict anaerobes is expected
- Several years of experience as a postdoctoral researcher with corresponding publication record and experience in obtaining third-party funding
- Experience with chemostat bioreactors and multispecies co-cultivations is an advantage
- Experience in the analysis and interpretation of 16S sequencing raw data, as well as experience with bacteriophages, is desirable
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as a high level of commitment
- Willingness to participate in international conferences
- Good English language skills (spoken and written)
Secure in the future: fee according to TV-L EG13 – EG14
Contact
Prof. Dr. Tanja Schneider
Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
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