Doctoral Researcher (DR) Position (m/f/d)

The DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 2723 Materials‐Microbes‐Microenvironments (M‐M‐M): Antimicrobial biomaterials with tailored structures and properties, is a joint Research Training Group of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Jena University Hospital and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute). It combines expertise in materials, life, medical, optical and computational sciences to develop ground-braking and highly innovative antimicrobial biomaterials for the prevention of biomaterial-associated infections (BAI). This will be approached by six interdisciplinary PhD tandem projects, with two doctoral researchers (DRs) working on complementary materials science and medical/life science aspects of these questions in each project, with one materials scientist and one medical/life science professional working as team supervisors.

In our team, we aim to identify and develop routes to custom-design Bioactive glass (BG) compositions which simultaneously stimulate osteoblasts proliferation and prevent microbial adhesion. The antimicrobial properties of those BG samples will be tested in a 3D cell culture model. In addition, antimicrobial studies focusing on microbial adhesion, viability, virulence, and phenotype switching will be performed.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• actively and effectively contribute to the development of the project
• present your results at national and international conferences
• produce high-quality written manuscripts for publication

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• master degree in the field of in the natural sciences, such as biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology or in an equivalent subject
• good knowledge in the field of cell biology, molecular biology
• experience in scientific work
• high motivation, independence, creativity, ability to work in a team and flexibility
• good English communication skills, both written and spoken
• good communication skills

We offer you even more:

• a comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers
• an international competitive interdisciplinary training program in materials science and life science
• a family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families

Reference number: DM11/2025

* Limited to 31.07.2028