The Papenfort laboratory (www.papenfortlab.org) at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany) studies gene regulation in microbial pathogens. We focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying post-transcriptional gene control in bacteria and how these affect complex regulatory processes, such as quorum sensing, virulence, and biofilm formation. Our goal is to use this information to develop new approaches to treat and prevent microbial infections.

We are currently recruiting PhD students in the following areas of research:

A) "Microbiota-pathogen interactions” : The recruited candidate will investigate how bacteria from human gut microbiome interact and how pathogens interfere with these processes. The project will focus on microbial commensals and pathogens (such as Vibrio cholerae ), interspecies communication ( i.e. quorum sensing), biofilm formation, and virulence.

B) "Phage-host Interactions” : This project aims to study the dynamics of infection, host takeover, and anti-phage defense during the interaction of phages with V. cholerae. Specifically, we are aiming to understand these processes at a single cell level and when V. cholerae infects the human host.

Qualifications:

▸ MSc in microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, or a related field

▸ Previous experience in microbiology/molecular biology would be desirable

▸ Ability to work independently and as part of an international team

▸ A strong desire to do research, enthusiastic, creative, and highly self-motivated

▸ Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is committed to increase the number of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the university explicitly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference to other candidates with equal qualifications.

Applications in English should comprise the usual documents (CV, publication list, a letter summarizing research interests, experience and goals, and the names and phone numbers/e-mail of at least two references).

Please submit your application as a single PDF document via email attachment until March 15th 2026 to: kai.papenfort@uni-jena.de