"Doctoral (TV-L E13, 65 %) and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions (TV-L E13, 100 %) in Microbial Communication"

The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is an ambitious Graduate School with over 130 doctoral and postdoctoral scientists. We offer structured, interdisciplinary PhD and career training programs based on top-level fundamental research. They conceptually combine different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication. The Cluster of Excellence ‘Balance of the Microverse’ studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts.

The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ and the Cluster of Excellence ‘Balance of the Microverse’ invite applications for

Doctoral (TV-L E13, 65 %) and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions (TV-L E13, 100 %)

We expect:

• Master’s degree or PhD (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Geosciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, etc.). Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply
• high motivation and interest in joining one of the interdisciplinary research areas of the JSMC
• creativity and interest in shaping your own thesis or postdoc project
• an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC and Microverse Community
• excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)

We offer:

• a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
• doctoral researcher positions (3 years, German TV-L E13, 65 %) and postdoctoral positions (2 years, German TV-L E13, 100 %)
• projects with wet-lab or computational focus to decode microbial balance in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research network
• a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
• top-level PhD and career training programs with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies, transferable, and soft skills
• Jena - a German City of top-level Science: The University of Jena, together with the University Hospital and several Leibniz and Max Planck Institutes in Jena, Germany, join forces in the JSMC and the Cluster of Excellence!

How to Apply: Refer to our individual job offers and apply via the Online Portal by April 25, 2026.

Selected applicants will be invited to the JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany (an online interview can be arranged). Awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing the projects to start immediately.

The positions will be funded through the JSMC through the Thuringian State government (2026-2028) and subsequently through the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State governments (2029). The University of Jena and the participating research institutes are equal opportunity employers. Part-time contracts can be discussed. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Join us in exploring how microbial balance shapes life – and in unlocking its potential for a healthier future.