The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. JSMC is an ambitious Graduate School with over 150 doctoral researchers who are educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research. It conceptionally combines different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication (www.jsmc.uni-jena.de). Institutes at five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutes as well as 12 partner companies are participating in this cutting-edge research and training program.
The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position TV-L E13 65% (Ref.No. 18/2016)
to conduct research on the project
Chemical communication between bacteria in iron-rich lake aggregates
The aim of this project is to elucidate the chemical interaction between Fe-oxidizing and Fe-reducing bacteria which dominate the microbial community of pelagic iron-rich aggregates (iron snow). We isolated four key players and will use co-cultivation experiments to identify potential chemical mediators by applying a comparative metabolomics approach (GC/MS analyses combined with chemometrics). Potential functions of the compounds will be tested under more defined conditions. Comparative transcriptomics will help to elucidate genetic changes induced by these chemical mediators. These results will help us to decipher the chemical communication in the more complex pelagic aggregates.
More projects details here: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/phd-program/fellowship-application/vacant-projects/
We expect:
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural Sciences (e.g., Chemistry, Microbiology, Molceular Biology, Biochemistry). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
- desirable methodological skills: Analytical Chemistry, Gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, cultivation of bacterial cells, standard molecular biology tools, transcriptomics
- high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
- creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
- an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC Community
- very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)
We offer:
- a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
- a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) with guaranteed funding for one and a half years based on the regulations of the German Research Foundation as well as generous research funding with the possibility of extended funding for one full additional year
- a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
- a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills
- Jena –City of Science: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University
Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude are given preferential consideration.
The application procedure takes place exclusively online via the JSMC website:
https://www.uni-jena.de/jsmc_online_application/
Please acquaint yourself with the application process described on this website.
Selected applicants will be invited to a Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany upon individual appointment. Awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing the project to start immediately.
Application deadline: February 21st, 2016
Selection of applicants for the JSMC PhD Fellowships (= funding for a 3-year doctoral research project including employment and research budget) is organized in JSMC Recruitments. Once or twice per year JSMC Recruitment Calls are launched with up to 20 research projects being offered per call. Applications for the JSMC Fellowships are invited from young researchers from all over the world.
Recruitment Procedure
The JSMC Recruitment is a three-stage process:
Please acquaint yourself with the PhD projects offered within the latest JSMC Recruitment Call. Then access ourOnline Application Portal to enter your application data and to upload additional documents.
Applications can only be considered if your data is submitted to us via the Online Application Portal before the application deadline. Please DO NOT send any other documents to us by email unless you are explicitly invited to do so. Applications via email and regular mail will NOT be considered.
Candidates with adequate qualifications may be asked to participate in a telephone interview for further evaluation.
Candidates who succesfully passed the first three selection stages will be invited to attend a JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany. Economy travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by JSMC. Successful candidates will be able to start with their JSMC PhD Fellowship shortly after the Recruitment Meeting (later starting dates can also be arrange
The JSMC Recruitment Meetings are meant as an opportunity for both sides – candidates and JSMC members – to get to know each other. They therefore include various events:
- Candidate lectures (the candidates present their research experience in 10+5 min talks)
- One-to-one interviews with project supervisors
- Visits to Institutes (to get to know the facilities and future colleagues)
- Get-together with the current PhD Fellows of JSMC
- Joint dinner with project supervisors (to discuss future plans in a relaxed atmosphere)
- Guided tour through the town of Jena
