Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) in Infectious Diseases

Job-ID 06/2026

At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), we investigate the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases.

The position is limited to three years.

Your mission

We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic Ph.D. student with a strong interest in infections, immunology, and the microbiome. The Ph.D. project is part of NeurInfect, a new, translationally oriented research training group funded by the DFG to investigate the biological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric sequelae following infections. You will use murine models to investigate how microbiome composition and distinct members of the gut microbiota influence pneumonia-induced neuroinflammation and its cognitive and behavioral consequences.

What you can expect:

• Highly qualified research and training environment that specifically promotes the translation of experimental findings into clinical applications and strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration
• A structured, interdisciplinary qualification program that provides the theoretical and methodological foundations for the doctoral project
• Support by an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers from the fields of neuroscience, infection / immunology, and experimental and clinical medicine
• Dedicated supervision committed to fostering academic excellence in a collegial and inclusive setting
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure and equipment

Your profile

• Internationally recognized degree (master’s degree, diploma, state examination) in life sciences or medicine (minimum overall grade: 75%)
• Ability to work independently, in a structured and results-oriented manner
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Goal-oriented communication style, strong initiative, determination, and ability to work in a team
• Very good command of written and spoken English

We offer

The successful candidate will be hosted in the department Microbial Immunology at the HKI and will be co-supervised by Prof. Ilse Jacobsen, HKI, and Prof. Christian Geis, UKJ. The department Microbial Immunology, led by Prof. Ilse Jacobsen, investigates host-pathogen and pathogen-pathogen interactions, aiming at a better understanding of the development of pathophysiological alterations during infection (e.g., Kapitan et al., PNAS, 2025; Dunker et al., Nature Communications, 2021). The group of Prof. Christian Geis at the UKJ is internationally renowned for their work on infection-related neuroinflammation (e.g., Chung et al., Science Advances, 2023; Ceanga et al., Cell Reports, 2023).

• You will have access to the excellent laboratory infrastructure of both labs.
• Look forward to an international and multi-disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research fields.
• Become part of the interdisciplinary RTG NeurInfect.
• Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees; 65% E 13).

Contact details

Prof. Ilse Jacobsen | +49 3641 532-1223

Applications

Leibniz-HKI is an equal opportunity employer that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It strives to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups with equal qualifications. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion / belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, previous work, letters of recommendation, references) via the Leibniz-HKI application system. The call for applications ends on the 20th of March 2026, but applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.