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At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) , we research the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active substances for the treatment of infectious diseases.

In a joint appointment (Berlin model) with the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute – (Leibniz-HKI), the Faculty of Biological Sciences of Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany is seeking to fill a

W3 Professorship for Microbial Pathogenicity

We are looking for a researcher (f/m/d) with extensive expertise in the study of severe fungal infections of humans, in particular caused by yeast species, for example of the genus Candida, who will significantly shape the research profile in Jena in the future. The candidate is intended to strengthen research on human pathogenic fungi in Jena. The post holder is expected to carry out an ambitious research program to elucidate the pathogenesis of severe fungal infections with focus on yeast species, for example of the genus Candida and their potential control. Emerging technologies such as live cell imaging, germ-free animal models and alternative organ-on-chip systems will be utilized.

The position holder should have the ability to provide dedicated leadership to the research group, including training of junior scientists, as well as an extensive network of international collaborators. The professorship is responsible for the further conception of research as well as for the integration of research and teaching into the research landscape in Jena, for example into the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse and the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research. It is explicitly expected that the Professor integrates into the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) with high level research on life-threatening fungal infections. It is desired that the new professor is very committed to the acquisition of external funding. The professor will participate in teaching in the field of microbiology and related subjects. The professorship is a research professorship with a reduced teaching load.

Jena is scientifically very strong and internationally visible in the fields of microbiology, chemical biology, infection biology, biogeosciences, aging research, optics/photonics, materials science and bioinformatics/systems biology. Jena has an attractive research environment with an integrative network of natural and life sciences research groups, characterized by close collaborations of the university with non-university research institutions and with local biotech companies. It is expected that the professorship will actively shape the profile building and expand and intensify the collaborations. Our future colleague will cooperate in an interdisciplinary manner and contribute her or his knowledge to the dialogue with society.
In order to be eligible for the position, candidates must have a completed degree, pedagogical aptitude, a particular aptitude for academic work demonstrated by a doctorate as well as a Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements. Appointment as a professor shall be for life as a civil servant, provided that the legal requirements are met.

Friedrich Schiller University aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified female academics to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability.
Applications in German or English with the usual documents such as cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and diplomas, list of publications including selected reprints, documentation of teaching activities and teaching evaluation, list of third-party funds acquired, research and teaching concept are to be submitted electronically via the University's Appointment Portal at

For questions about the position and the procedure, please contact Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage ( axel.brakhage@leibniz-hki.de ).

Applications

no later than 27 October 2025 . They should be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Professor Dr. Lars-Oliver Klotz (dekanbio@uni-jena.de).

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