PhD Position in Microbiology and Molecular Biology: Candida albicans Lipases and Microbiome Modulation Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology in Germany

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) in Germany is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the International Leibniz Research School ILRS 2.0. The research project focuses on the role of Candida albicans lipases as modulators of the human microbiome, specifically investigating how these enzymes shape fungal-bacterial interactions in the gut and impact host health. Candida albicans is a key fungal pathogen and commensal organism, and its metabolic interactions with bacteria are not fully understood. This project will utilize state-of-the-art genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular biology techniques to explore the mechanisms by which C. albicans lipases process dietary lipids and influence the growth of specific gut bacteria, with broader implications for microbiome composition and infectious disease treatment.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms and be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Hube, Dr. Sascha Brunke, and Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou from the Department of Microbiome Dynamics. The position is integrated into a structured doctoral training program, providing access to cutting-edge research facilities, a highly communicative and interdisciplinary scientific network, and a vibrant academic environment in Jena, Germany.

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 English communication skills and the ability to work in an international team are required. The position is fully funded for four years, with salary according to German TV-L standards. Applications must be submitted in English via the Leibniz-HKI online application system by December 13, 2025, and should include a cover letter, CV, transcript of records, and contact details for three referees. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment meeting in Jena in early 2026.

Key research areas include Candida albicans, lipases, microbiome modulation, fungal-bacterial interactions, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genomics, transcriptomics, and infection biology. The opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in advancing their expertise in microbiome research and infectious disease mechanisms within a leading European research institute.