The University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, one of Europe's largest university hospitals, is offering a PhD position in the Medical Systems Biology Research Group at the Institute of Experimental Medicine. This interdisciplinary research group leverages systems biological approaches and integrates diverse molecular datasets to advance understanding of the human microbiome's role in health and disease, with a particular focus on its potential as a therapeutic target. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team working on the DFG-funded priority research area “Illuminating Gene Functions in the Human Gut Microbiome,” collaborating with microbiome researchers across Germany. The project centers on constraint-based metabolic modelling to explore metabolic interactions within gut bacterial communities, specifically targeting the minimal model microbiome SIHUMIx. The main research goal is to uncover unknown cross-feeding interactions and understand how these relationships influence microbial community dynamics. Using large-scale microbiome, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and genomic data, the PhD student will build computational models to predict new interactions and community responses to disturbances. These predictions will be validated through bioreactor experiments in partnership with the UFZ Leipzig lab. The work aims to provide new insights into how gut bacteria support each other and adapt to changing conditions, contributing to the broader understanding of microbiome-driven health and disease mechanisms. The position offers a three-year contract (with possible extension), part-time employment (28.75 hours/week), and a salary based on the German E13 TV-L scale (75%), subject to collective bargaining law. The University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein is committed to providing a family-friendly working environment, supporting work-life balance, and promoting professional equality. PhD students will have access to a variety of support programs at Kiel University, including soft-skill courses and other benefits. The institution encourages applications from female scientists and supports the employment of disabled persons. Applicants should have a strong background in bioinformatics, systems biology, molecular biology, or related fields, with essential skills in programming (R, Python), Linux, constraint-based metabolic modeling, next-generation sequencing data analysis (RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq, metagenomics), and statistics. Excellent English communication skills are required due to the international nature of the research group. Applications must be submitted online by 7th January 2026, referencing number 27635. For further details, visit the institutional and research group websites or contact Prof. Dr. Christoph Kaleta at [email protected].