PhD and Postdoc Positions in Systems Microbiology of Intracellular Pathogens – Infection Biology, Single-Cell Genomics, CRISPR, Germany

The Ciolli Mattioli Lab at the Helmholtz Institute Würzburg (HIRI) in Germany is recruiting a PhD student and a Postdoctoral researcher to join their Systems Microbiology of Intracellular Pathogens team. Led by Jun Prof Camilla Ciolli Mattioli, the lab investigates how intracellular bacterial pathogens such as those causing tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and leprosy survive, adapt, and persist within host cells. The research aims to decode the molecular mechanisms that determine whether a pathogen is eliminated or survives, with the ultimate goal of developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The lab employs advanced methodologies including single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR-based molecular recording, and image-enabled cell sorting. This multidisciplinary approach enables the study of host-pathogen interactions at high resolution, bridging molecular data with clinical realities in infectious disease research. The team is part of HIRI, a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the University of Würzburg, providing access to cutting-edge infrastructure and a vibrant international research environment. Applicants for the PhD position should have a strong background in biology, microbiology, or related fields. The PostDoc position is open to candidates with strong computational skills. The lab values ambition, scientific curiosity, and intercultural collaboration. While no specific funding details are provided, positions at HIRI typically offer competitive stipends and research support. Interested candidates should send an expression of interest to [email protected], using the subject line 'PhD position' or 'Postdoc position' as appropriate. For more information, visit the HIRI team page.