Recruitment 2026

The JSMC has new vacancies for doctoral research projects!

Our graduate school invites applications for two doctoral research projects. Please see the project description and details on the application process below.

How does it work?

Please find the summaries of the available projects below. A detailed description of the projects can be found as a PDF under each summary. If you would like to apply for one or more projects, please follow the links to the individual online application platforms provided in each PDF or below each project. The platform will be open for applications from July 20 to August 20, 2026.

The research projects are located at institutions at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and non-university institutes, depending on the principal investigator (PI), e.g., the Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), and are financially supported by the JSMC. The doctoral projects will run for 3 years and receive support according to German TV-L 13, 65%.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to national and international MSc graduates (no longer than 4 years ago) in biosciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or related fields who are interested in pursuing a doctorate in Microbial Communication with us. Also welcome are applications from MSc students who will finish their studies in 2026.

What kind of documents will I need?

You will need to provide a Cover letter/Letter of motivation, your CV, publication list (required for Postdoc applications, optional for doctoral candidates), and scans of certificates, Diplomas and degrees. Additionally, you'll be asked for personal information and contact details.

Please note that all your information will only be used for recruitment purposes and will be treated confidentially and with the utmost respect.

Please also note that false information, e.g. visa requirements, will lead to immediate disqualification.

How does the recruitment work?

Selected candidates will be contacted by the PIs for an initial interview (e.g. phone, Zoom, etc.). Excellent candidates will then be invited to a Zoom recruitment event in September, 2026. During this recruitment event, the invited candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the JSMC and Excellence Cluster 'Balance of the Microverse' community and present their research work in a 10-minute talk.

When can I start my research project?

The anticipated starting dates of each project are in the second half of 2026 and are strongly dependent on individual requirements of the candidates but no later than December 1, 2026. The accepted doctoral candidates will automatically join the JSMC graduate school and the Excellence Cluster 'Balance of the Microverse' and be eligible for exclusive offers and active support from both communities.

Doctoral Researcher (TV-L E13, 65%) in Metagenomics

Research Project of Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou: This computational project explores how the gut microbiome contributes to human health by moving beyond simple disease classifications. The student will work with large-scale multi-omics data to link microbial functions to host biology. By integrating different data types, the project aims to uncover how factors such as age and diet shape microbiome–host interactions. The ultimate goal is to identify targets for more personalized health interventions.

For online applications please use the QR code or click this link.

Doctoral Researcher (TV-L E13, 65%) in Infection Biology

Research Project of Prof. Dr. Ilse Jacobsen: This experimental project explores how dietary fiber affects microbiota composition and metabolism, and thereby colonization with the human-pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The student will use mouse models established in the lab in combination with metabolome and microbiome analysis, and in vitro experiments to identify types of fibers, bacterial taxa, and mechanisms contributing to diet-related colonization resistance.

For online applications please use the QR code or click this link.