Christian Kost

A fully funded PhD position is available in the research group of Professor Christian Kost at the University of Osnabrück, Germany. The position is part of a DFG-funded project titled 'Synergistic coevolution in mono-specific and multi-species microbial consortia.' The successful candidate will participate in long-term coevolution experiments to study the evolution of metabolic cooperation among microbes, generate and characterize bacterial mutants, perform coculture experiments, analyze bacterial fitness, and investigate multicellularity using advanced techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis and programming (Python or R) are also part of the research activities. The project is situated within the Department of Ecology at the School of Biology/Chemistry, offering access to state-of-the-art infrastructure (CellNanOs) and participation in excellent graduate education programs (ZePrOS). The research team is international and supportive, and the university is committed to equality and family-friendly policies. Applicants should have a master's degree in biology or a related field, practical experience in microbiological techniques, and strong English skills. Desirable qualifications include molecular biology expertise, experience in evolution experiments, ecological and evolutionary theory, mass spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, statistical analysis, and programming. Motivation, curiosity, teamwork, and independence are valued. The position is funded for three years (E 13 TV-L, 65%). Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, certificates, and contact details of three referees, submitted as a single PDF to [email protected] by January 11, 2026, with reference number 'SKE' in the subject. For questions, contact Prof. Christian Kost ([email protected]) and visit the group website at www.kostlab.com. Research keywords: microbial ecology, coevolution, metabolic cooperation, bacterial multicellularity, evolutionary biology, microbiology, fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, microfluidics.

The Department of Ecology at the School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, invites applications for a Research Assistant (m/f/d) position, with the opportunity to pursue a PhD, in the DFG-funded project “Synergistic coevolution in mono-specific and multi-species microbial consortia.” The position is available at 65% salary grade E 13 TV-L for three years, starting as soon as possible. The successful candidate will join an international research team to investigate the evolution of metabolic cooperation in bacteria. Key responsibilities include performing long-term coevolution experiments, generating and characterizing bacterial mutants, conducting coculture experiments to assess bacterial fitness, analyzing cluster formation using fluorescence microscopy, investigating bacteria at the single-cell level with microfluidics and flow cytometry, quantifying amino acid production via mass spectrometry, and conducting statistical analyses of experimental data. Applicants must have a university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biology or a related field, with practical experience in microbiological techniques and excellent English skills. Desirable qualifications include a strong academic record, knowledge of molecular biology methods, experience with large-scale evolution experiments, familiarity with ecological and evolutionary theory, proficiency in mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy, statistical analysis skills, and basic programming (Python or R). The position requires motivation, curiosity, teamwork, and independent work skills. Osnabrück University offers a supportive, family-friendly, and international environment, access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure (CellNanOs), and participation in excellent graduate education programs (ZePrOS). The university is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The vibrant city of Osnabrück provides a high quality of life for students and researchers. Applications (motivation letter, CV, certificates, and contact details of three referees) should be submitted as a single PDF by January 4, 2026, via email to the Dean of the School of Biology/Chemistry, referencing “SKE.” For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Christian Kost or visit the Kost Lab website.