PhD candidate or Research Assistant in Optical-Molecular Diagnostics (f/m/d) in Jena

At the Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz IPHT (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/homepage/) ) we are looking in the Research Department Optical-Molecular Diagnostics and Systems Technology (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/departments/optical-molecular-diagnostics-and-system-technology/) for a part-time (60%) position for a

PhD candidate or Research Assistant (m/f/d)

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is initially limited to a period of 3 years.

An extension will be sought if suitable, but it is dependent on suitable external, project-related funding.

The Leibniz-IPHT is a university independent research institute with close connection to the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (https://www.uni-jena.de/en) and member of the Leibniz association (https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/) .

Your field of activity includes:

• Research, establishment, verification and validation of multi-parameter systems for antibiotic-resistant and potentially virulent bacteria relevant to human and veterinary medicine
• Carrying out work in laboratories of biological safety levels S1, S2 and S3**
• Maintaining necessary laboratory routines in the safety area
• Conventional microbiological procedures (Gram staining and microscopy, culturing microorganisms, performing antimicrobial susceptibility tests, MALDI-TOF species determination)
• Molecular biology work (next-generation sequencing, DNA preparation, amplification, microarray-based analyses, PCR, blink technology, DNA hybridization)
• Sequence analysis and bioinformatics: design, verification, validation and documentation
• Image evaluation of array images, database maintenance, LIMS, report design
• Independent execution of feasibility studies and cooperation with company partners with the aim of translating scientific results into products
• Preparation of project documentation
• Scient. publication of results in the form of patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals; presentation of results in a national and international context (lectures, posters, seminars)

Your qualifications:

• Very good master’s degree (or equivalent or higher degree) in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, chemical biology or advanced/completed studies in medicine or veterinary medicine.

Desired knowledge and skills:

• Willingness to work with pathogenic (safety level 2 and 3**) and/or antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially infectious patient material (such as blood, stool samples, wound swabs)
• Experience in dealing with pathogenic microorganisms is desirable
• Experience in the supervision of students (internships, Master, Bachelor)
• Experience in diagnostic laboratory procedures or hospital hygiene facilities is helpful
• Sound knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology techniques
• Industrial experience in the field of biotechnology is welcome
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics is desirable
• Highly motivated, team-oriented, willing to learn and creative personality
• Good to very good written and spoken German and English skills

We offer:

• An open welcoming culture and an inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment: Located on the Beutenberg campus in Jena, Leibniz-IPHT is home to more than 400 employees from around the world working at the interface of physics, biochemistry, technology, data science and medicine to develop the photonic technologies of tomorrow.
• World-class equipment and facilities: Leibniz-IPHT has a large number of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories at the highest level. It also has state-of-the-art fiber drawing and clean room facilities as well as microfluidics fabrication and big data computing facilities.
• Thorough and comprehensive personal training: Transferring good practices in scientific working and outreach is one of our main focus points. In a respectful and appreciative environment, you will learn everything you need for a career inside and outside of science. Moreover, plenty of workshops and opportunities for scientific exchange are offered by the Leibniz IPHT, as well as the Abbe School of Photonics and the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
• A family-friendly working environment with support offers for the compatibility of family and work (e.g. parent-child office, campus kindergarten places, advice on family care situations from trained care guides and much more).
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 days’ vacation/year, special annual payment and bridge days.
• Jena - City of Science: a young city with a vibrant local cultural agenda!

Salary:

Salary is in accordance with the regulations of the TV-L and your qualifications and experience.

About us:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sascha. Braun Tel.: +49 3641/ 948 389, e-mail: sascha.braun@leibniz-ipht.de and/or Dr. med. habil. Stefan Monecke Tel.: +49 3641/ 948 390, E-Mail: stefan.monecke@leibniz-ipht.de and/or Prof. Dr. Ralf Ehricht (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/author/1222/) , Tel.: +49 3641/ 948 390, E-Mail: ralf.ehricht@leibniz-ipht.de.

Application:

Simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application with the usual documents (CV, certificates, reference addresses, other information) until September 30, 2025 by e-mail, preferably as one pdf file, quoting reference number 1382 to the:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Reference Number: 1382

Note: The position will be filled as of September 1, 2025, as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.