Six Postdoctoral Positions in Fungal Infections in Microbial Ecosystems

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.

Your mission:

We are looking for six highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to conduct interdisciplinary research on the interactions between fungal pathogens and microbial ecosystems within the Fellows4Fungi programme at the Leibniz-HKI (Jena, Germany). Fellows4Fungi – Exploring fungal pathogens within unexplored microbial networks is an international postdoctoral programme co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA COFUND). The programme is focused on six research areas, which reflect the scientific pillars of Leibniz-HKI:

1. discovery & engineering of novel antifungals from microbiomes
2. advanced microbial cultivation & microbiome metabolomics
3. high-throughput and AI-driven antifungal discovery
4. fungal symbiosis an& pathogenicity
5. fungal metabolites, epigenetics & microbiome structuring
6. computational microbiomics & systems biology of fungal infections

Fellows4Fungi combines interdisciplinary research, scientific independence, and cross-sectoral training to support the next generation of leaders in infection biology, antifungal therapy and microbiome research.

Your profile:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field for the selected research area prior to the start of the position (November 1, 2026)
• High motivation to lead an independent project with a demonstrated strong publication record

Specific Eligibility Criteria:

• Mobility rule: You have not resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the call deadline.
• English language: You have excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Full-time position: You are available for full-time research throughout the fellowship and can take up the position by November 2026 the latest.

We offer:

• A competitive salary for a 36-month postdoctoral fellowship, including social security contributions, taxes, and compulsory deductions under German legislation
• An interdisciplinary environment and an international team
• Full coverage of project costs, international conference travel, training and networking activities
• Relocation and onboarding support, and seamless integration into our vibrant research cohort
• Strong mentoring and career support
• Structured training programme and secondment opportunities in academic and industrial sectors
• Excellent infrastructure, modern workspaces, and very well-equipped labs

Contact details:

For questions regarding eligibility or the application procedure, please contact:

Dr. Ana Depetris Chauvin | fellows4fungi@leibniz-hki.de | +49 3641 532-1263

Fellows4Fungi.eu

Applications:

• Complete online application form
• Research proposal in one of the programme’s research areas, using the provided template, indicating a main supervisor and a co-supervisor, and a preference for secondments
• ethics self-assessment table using the programme’s template
• CV using the programme’s template
• Motivation letter
• Two letters of reference
• Transcript of records/courses taken during your studies
• Copy of PhD degree or proof of imminent completion

The detailed descriptions of the research areas with list of potential supervisors, list of training opportunities, programme details, description of the different stages of the selection process, and detailed instructions for the application process, including templates, timelines and FAQs, are available via this link:

Fellows4Fungi.eu

Applications must be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system.

Please upload the project description, two letters of reference and the ethics self-assessment table under „Other“. Your PhD certificate and academic transcript of records should be uploaded under „Certificates“.

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law, will receive consideration for employment.

Application deadline: May 26, 2026; 12:00 CEST noon

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a recruitment event in August 2026

Expected start of positions: November, 2026