Mikrobiologe (m/w/d) (Biologe/Biologin)

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light - Life - Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Institute of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution at the Faculty of Biological Sciences seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in Viral Ecology (m/f/d)

commencing on 01 December 2026. We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), with a fixed-term employment until 30 June 2030.

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1768 “VirusREvolution: Decoding tools for virus research” is a highly ambitious research centre at Friedrich Schiller University with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation (https://virusrevolution.uni-jena.de/). Its integrated research training group is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program and invites applications for doctoral and postdoctoral researcher positions in various fields of research.
In this doctoral project “Do viruses exploit their quasispecies for host range evolution?”, you will investigate how host range and environmental conditions shape virus diversity and virus-host interactions in natural and experimentally manipulated microbial communities.
Conduct experimental work and analyses on virus-host interactions in soil and groundwater ecosystems, including host-range assays, environmental sampling, and targeted microcosm experiments
Analyse metagenomic and viromic data sets from soil and groundwater samples to identify broad- and narrow-host-range viruses to characterize their quasispecies characteristics
Participation in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and close collaboration with the tandem project partner
Engage in regular discussions with other group and project members
Collaborate with BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
Publish papers and present your work at national and international scientific meetings

A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in biology, microbiology, microbial ecology, virology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline
Experience in experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, and molecular biological methods; knowledge of sequencing-based bioinformatic approaches (metagenomics, viromics); experience with virus-host interactions are desirable.
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving
Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
Excellent skills in English are required, both written and spoken

Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, experienced research group and a large, ambitious research consortium
Affiliation to an Integrated Research Training Group, offering close support and a comprehensive education program for hard skills and transferable skills, supported by the Jena Graduate Academy
A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E13 - depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications -, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe d...