The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) in Germany is offering a fully funded postdoctoral researcher position in metagenomics within the Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) department. This internationally recognized institute focuses on the pathobiology of microorganisms and the development of natural product-based therapeutics for infectious diseases. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team led by Professor Gianni Panagiotou, working at the forefront of computational microbiome research. The MBD department leverages computational methods to develop personalized microbiome-based strategies for the detection, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases. The group is actively involved in several high-profile, EU- and nationally-funded consortia, including MiCCrobioTAckle, PerMICCion, FOODGUARD, NUTRIMMUNE, the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse,” and SynThera. Research in this position will focus on the computational integration of multi-omics datasets from both microbial communities and the host, aiming to uncover the systemic impact of gut bacteria on human physiology and disease. The postdoctoral project will be tailored to the candidate’s skills and interests, aligning with the objectives of the consortia. Key research areas include the interface of the gut microbiome, diet, and the immune system, with applications to diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, aging, and infections. The position offers access to state-of-the-art computational resources and a collaborative, inclusive environment with approximately 15–20 group members at various career stages. Applicants should have a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Experience in metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, or other high-throughput biological data analysis, as well as proficiency in programming (Python, Perl, C++, R), is required. Strong collaborative skills and an interest in interdisciplinary research are essential. The position is funded according to the German TV-L salary scale for public service employees and is initially limited to three years. Applications should be submitted in English via the Leibniz-HKI online application system and must include a cover letter, CV with a complete publication list, a brief statement of research experience, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. The application deadline is February 28, 2026, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Leibniz-HKI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) in Metagenomics. The successful candidate will join the Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) department, which is at the forefront of computational microbiome research, developing personalized strategies for the detection, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases. The department is involved in several high-profile, EU- and nationally-funded consortia, including MiCCrobioTAckle, PerMiCCion, FOODGUARD, NUTRIMMUNE, the Cluster of Excellence 'Balance of the Microverse,' and SynThera. The PhD project will be tailored to the candidate’s skills and interests, aligning with the objectives of these consortia. A central aspect of the research will be the computational integration of multi-omics datasets from both microbial communities and the host, aiming to uncover the systemic impact of gut bacteria on human physiology. The research will focus on the interface of the gut microbiome, diet, and the immune system, investigating the role of gut bacteria in diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, aging, and infections. The position offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment, collaborating with renowned scientists and supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Microbiome Dynamics group, led by Prof. Gianni Panagiotou, consists of 15–20 members and fosters a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. The successful candidate will benefit from access to advanced computational resources and a dynamic research community. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. Experience in the analysis of metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, or other high-throughput biological datasets, as well as knowledge of statistical methods in biological systems, is required. Proficiency in programming (Python, Perl, C++, R) and strong collaborative skills are essential. The institute values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Funding: The position is fully funded, with salary paid according to the German TV-L scale for public service employees. The initial contract is for four years. Application: Applications should be submitted in English via the Leibniz-HKI online application system and must include a cover letter, CV with a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, transcripts, and contact details of two referees. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2026, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates interested in computational microbiome research to join a leading institute and contribute to cutting-edge science in a supportive and innovative environment.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology in Jena, Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Metagenomics within the Microbiome Dynamics department led by Prof. Gianni Panagiotou. The research focuses on computational and data-driven biology, specifically the integration of multi-omics datasets from microbial communities and hosts to uncover the systemic impact of gut bacteria on human physiology. The project aligns with several high-profile EU and national consortia, including MiCCrobioTAckle, PerMiCCion, FOODGUARD, NUTRIMMUNE, and the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse.” The successful candidate will work at the interface of the gut microbiome, diet, and immune system, investigating the role of gut bacteria in diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, aging, and infections. The position offers access to state-of-the-art computational resources and a collaborative, international research environment. The group consists of 15–20 members with diverse expertise in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, and infection biology. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Required skills include experience with metagenomics or other high-throughput biological data analysis, statistical methods, and programming (Python, Perl, C++, R). Strong collaborative and interdisciplinary research interests are essential. The position is initially limited to four years and is funded according to the German TV-L salary scale. The institute is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV with publications, research statement, transcripts, and contact details for two referees via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The application deadline is February 28, 2026, but applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI) in Germany is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the International Leibniz Research School (ILRS 2.0). The project, titled 'Candida albicans lipases as microbiome modulators,' investigates the role of fungal lipases in shaping the gut microbiome and influencing host health. Candida albicans is a key fungal commensal and pathogen, and its extracellular lipases process dietary lipids, modulating bacterial growth in the gut with significant effects on the host. This research combines molecular biology, microbiome research, and host-microbe interaction studies, utilizing state-of-the-art genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will join a diverse, interdisciplinary team and contribute to fundamental understanding of fungal-bacterial-host crosstalk. The project is jointly supervised by Dr. Sascha Brunke, Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou, and Prof. Dr. Bernhard Hube, all affiliated with Leibniz-HKI. Applicants should have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, or related disciplines, with a strong experimental background in molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry. Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary team are required. The position is fully funded for four years, with salary according to German TV-L standards, and includes access to cutting-edge research facilities and integration into the ILRS 2.0 doctoral training program. Applications must be submitted in English via the Leibniz-HKI online application system and should include a cover letter, CV, certificate of study/transcript of records, and addresses of three referees. The application deadline is December 13, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment meeting in Jena in early 2026. For further details, visit the provided project and institute links. Keywords: Candida albicans, microbiome, lipases, molecular biology, host-microbe interactions, infection biology, natural products, genomics, transcriptomics.