Job-ID 04/2026

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.

Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) in Metagenomics

The postion is initially limited to four years.

Your mission

The Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) department contributes, using computational methods, to the development of personalized microbiome-based strategies to aid in the detection, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases (e.g., Zhang et al., Nature Microbiology, 2025; Li et al., Nature Metabolism, 2024; Ni et al., Cell Metabolism, 2023; Leung et al., Science Translational Medicine, 2022; Seelbinder et al., Nature Communications, 2023). MBD is currently coordinating the EU-funded consortium MiCCrobioTAckle ( www.miccrobiotackle.eu/ ), the BMBF-funded consortium PerMiCCion ( www.permiccion.de ), and is an active participant in the EU-funded consortia FOODGUARD ( www.foodguard-project.eu/ ) and NUTRIMMUNE , the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse” ( www.microverse-cluster.de ) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the consortium SynThera funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation ( www.synthera.eu/ ).

We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic Ph.D. student with a strong interest in computational microbiome research. The specific focus of the Ph.D. project will be tailored to the candidate’s skills and interests and will align with the objectives of the aforementioned consortia. A key component of the work will involve the computational integration of multi-omics datasets from both microbial communities and the host, with the goal of uncovering the systemic impact of gut bacteria on human physiology.

As part of this position, you will work at the interface of the gut microbiome, diet, and the immune system to investigate the role of gut bacteria in various diseases, including but not limited to cancer, metabolic disorders, aging, and infections. You will collaborate with renowned scientists in an interdisciplinary and international environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. Together, we aim to advance science and contribute to a healthier, cleaner, and fairer society, fostering academic excellence in a collegial and inclusive setting.

Your profile

• A strong interest in conducting collaborative research on the topic outlined above is paramount
• Candidates are expected to be interested in working at the boundaries of several research domains
• Master’s degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in the analysis of metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, or other biological high-throughput datasets
• Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
• Experience with programming (Python, Perl, C++, R)
• Well-developed collaborative skills

We offer:

• The successful candidates will be hosted in the department Microbiome Dynamics of Prof. Gianni Panagiotou of the Leibniz-HKI in an international, dynamic team and an "open-door” atmosphere with access to state-of-the-art computational resources.
• We offer an international and multi-disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research fields. The group consists of approximately 15–20 members at different levels of seniority.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increasing the percentage of female scientists and, therefore, especially encourages them to apply.

Contact details

Applications

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.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, a certificate of study / transcript of records, and the addresses of two possible referees and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system . The deadline for the advertisement is February 28th, 2026 , but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 | 07745 Jena