The Helmholtz Institute Würzburg (HIRI), in collaboration with Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join the research group of Prof. Jörg Vogel. This unique opportunity focuses on jumbo phage biology, RNA-centric regulation, and the development of next-generation phage therapy. The institute is renowned for its pioneering work at the intersection of RNA research and infection biology, offering a vibrant environment for cutting-edge research. The successful candidate will contribute to projects building on recent high-impact publications in Nature and Nature Microbiology, exploring molecular decision-making in phage infection cycles and innovative therapeutic applications. The position is ideal for candidates with a PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, or biotechnology, who are passionate about virology, RNA research, and the future of phage therapy. Applicants will benefit from the resources and collaborative atmosphere of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Helmholtz Association. The research environment supports interdisciplinary approaches and offers access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular and infection biology research. Research Keywords: jumbo phage biology, phage therapy, RNA research, infection biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, virology. Eligibility: Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong interest in the research topics. Experience in phage biology or related areas is highly desirable. Application Deadline: January 11, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official application link. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your research career in a world-leading institute dedicated to RNA and infection biology.

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg is offering a postdoctoral scientist position in the group of Professor Jörg Vogel, focusing on jumbo phage biology and phage therapy. The successful candidate will investigate the molecular biology of jumbo phages and advance the application of programmable antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology to dissect phage infection cycles in genetically intractable systems. The research aims to understand RNA-centric regulation of molecular decision points during infection, including subcellular organization of mRNA export, phage protein import, and mechanisms to overcome host immune defense. The project is part of the DFG priority programme 'New Concepts in Prokaryotic Virus-Host Interactions – from Single Cells to Microbial Communities (SPP 2330)'. The Vogel lab is internationally recognized for its contributions to phage biology, with recent publications in Nature and Nature Microbiology. The position offers a stimulating research environment and opportunities to collaborate within a dynamic team. The appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension, and salary will be according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L), commensurate with qualifications. The university encourages applications from qualified women and handicapped persons. Applicants should hold a doctoral/PhD degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or biotechnology, and have a strong interest in phage biology and RNA regulation. The position can be filled full- or part-time as soon as possible. For further information about the Vogel lab, visit https://www.helmholtz-hiri.de/en/ . To apply, email your application by January 11th, 2026, including a short letter of motivation, CV, publication list, copies of relevant documents and certificates, and contact information of two academic references, all in a single PDF file with the reference 'Phage' to Monika Schraut ([email protected]). Please note that only copies of documents should be sent, as originals will not be returned. For cost reasons, application documents will be destroyed after the selection process unless a stamped envelope is provided for their return. For more details and to apply, visit Academic Europe or Euraxess .

This postdoctoral scientist position at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg offers an exciting opportunity to join the laboratory of Professor Jörg Vogel and contribute to cutting-edge research in programmable RNA antibiotics using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology. The research focuses on developing and applying programmable RNA antibiotics for diverse microbes and bacteriophages, with the aim of addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. ASO technology enables the rational design of antimicrobials that can specifically target and modulate bacterial gene expression, suppressing mRNA translation of essential proteins and providing new solutions for combating emerging pathogens, drug-resistant strains, and undesired activities of commensals, while sparing the native microbiome. The Vogel lab offers multiple projects that extend beyond pathogen eradication, including interference with commensal activities and targeting bacteriophages in the context of phage therapy. The research group is internationally recognized, with recent publications in Nature, RNA, and Nucleic Acids Research. More information about ongoing research can be found at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research website. Applicants should possess a doctoral or PhD degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, genomics, computational science, or pharmaceutical science. The position is available full- or part-time, initially for two years with the possibility of extension. Salary is based on the German public sector pay scale (TV-L) and will be commensurate with qualifications. The university encourages applications from qualified women and gives preference to handicapped persons in case of equal aptitude. To apply, candidates should email a single PDF file containing a short letter of motivation, CV, publication list, copies of relevant documents and certificates, and contact information for two academic references, with the reference 'ASO' to Monika Schraut ([email protected]) by January 11th, 2026. For further information about available projects, applicants may contact Prof. Jörg Vogel at [email protected]. Please note that application documents will not be returned unless a stamped envelope is provided. This position is ideal for researchers interested in molecular mechanisms of infection, antimicrobial drug development, and innovative RNA-based technologies. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment in Würzburg, Germany, and contribute to impactful solutions in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

The RNAmed Graduate Programme, funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB), is now accepting applications for its second cohort of PhD positions in RNA-based medicine. This prestigious programme offers 11 fully funded PhD positions (4 years) at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, as well as partner institutions in Munich and Regensburg, Germany. RNAmed is dedicated to training future leaders in the rapidly evolving field of RNA-based therapeutics, which has gained prominence through innovations such as RNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and advances in diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Since its inception in 2022, RNAmed has brought together a diverse consortium of more than a dozen world-leading scientists specializing in RNA modification and delivery, CRISPR-Cas systems, microRNAs, non-coding RNA, RNA biology of infections, and RNA chemistry. The programme takes a holistic approach, offering structured mentoring, interdisciplinary guidance, and comprehensive training through summer schools, industry internships, workshops, and opportunities to present research at international conferences. Students will be prepared for careers in academia, industry, entrepreneurship, or policy-making within the broader area of RNA-based medicine. Applicants are encouraged to select a mentor from the panel of experts listed at www.rnamed.de to best match their interests and background. The programme values international spirit, active networking, extracurricular activities, and pharmaceutical translation. Successful candidates will begin their PhD projects in January 2027, with flexibility for earlier or later start dates. Eligibility requires a Master’s degree (with top grades) or equivalent in life sciences, chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline. Applications are open to outstanding students of all nationalities. The participating universities aim to increase the proportion of female employees, and preference will be given to handicapped persons in case of equal aptitude. Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF file by email to [email protected], including a cover letter, CV, contact information for two academic reference persons, relevant certificates, and a list of publications (if applicable). Salary is based on the German public sector pay scale (TV-L), and the programme is fully funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria. The application deadline is March 24, 2026. Informal inquiries can be directed to the programme speaker, Prof. Jörg Vogel. For more information and to review the panel of supervisors, visit www.rnamed.de . Apply now to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community advancing the frontiers of RNA-based medicine.