The Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse (microverse-cluster.de) at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, combines expertise in life, material, optical and computational sciences to elevate microbiome studies from descriptive to hypothesis-driven and functional analyses. Our core mission is to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats ranging from oceans and groundwater to plant and human hosts. We aim to identify shared characteristics of disturbed ecosystems as well as infectious diseases on the microbiome level, and develop targeted interventions for their remediation.

Open-Topic Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d)

We provide an opportunity for you to pursue your own research project for five years. We seek applications from highly committed, advanced postdoctoral researchers with international experience and an outstanding scientific track record. Candidates from all scientific disciplines represented in our Cluster of Excellence are welcome to propose a highly innovative research project thematically linked to the scientific mission of the Microverse Cluster. The successful candidate is expected to actively collaborate within our interdisciplinary research community.

The junior research group will be affiliated with a suitable institute at the Friedrich Schiller University or the extra-university institutes – depending on the thematic focus – and will have access to the existing research infrastructure. The successful candidate will have his/her own budget for personnel and direct project costs. He/she will contribute to the structured doctoral training program in close collaboration with the Jena School for Microbial Communication. We expect:

• A PhD (or equivalent) and postdoctoral research experience in any scientific discipline represented in the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse

• An excellent track record in your research area as well as successful interdisciplinary cooperation

• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research group

• An integrative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic Microverse community

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research

• Remuneration in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) depending on the personal qualifications up to salary scale E15

• Funding to build a group with a Postdoc and a doctoral researcher and an annual budget for resources

• Attractive staff benefits and a university scheme for promoting your health and well-being, and a family-friendly working environment with flexible working options

The full-time junior group leader position is available at the earliest convenient date and is initially limited to five years; an extension might be possible subject to availability of funds. The Friedrich Schiller University is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualifications will receive preferential status. Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, research agenda, a list of publications and successful grant applications. Please submit your application as a single PDF document electronically to Dr. Angela Köhler, angela.koehler@microverse-cluster.de. Application deadline: 25^th January 2021