The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The research group of Prof. Georg Pohnert at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher in the Chemical Biololgy of Microbe-Induced Rejuvenation in Microalgae

commencing on April 1, 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65 %, fixed-term position for 3.5 years) at the University of Jena.

Combining the toolbox of analytical chemistry with biological experiments paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries. In this project we will follow this approach to investigate new mechanisms of cellular aging. Senescence, or the decline of cellular function with age, is known in higher organisms but also affects microbial cells and populations, impacting microbiome health and host longevity. However, the molecular mechanisms driving senescence and rejuvenation in microorganisms are only partially understood. We recently found that the planktonic microalga Coscinodiscus radiatus can undergo nutrient-induced rejuvenation associated with the release of extracellular vesicles that transport harmful substances out of the cell (Deng et al., Nature Microbiology 9, 2356 (2024)). This project aims to investigate the induction and ecological role of rejuvenation processes within a microbial plankton community. Our study system will pinpoint critical chemical signals and biological processes affecting aging and rejuvenation in microbes and their hosts, uncovering the role of microbial communities in this process.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments bridging chemistry and biology, including metabolomic data mining, and you will have the opportunity to conduct field work in marine stations
• Work in an interdisciplinary team on your doctoral research project
• Operate state-of-the-art analytical and microscopical equipment.
• Analyse project results, generate figures for publications, and write scientific manuscripts for publication
• Present your results at local, national, and international meetings and conferences
• Work closely together with other experimental and computational researchers in the team and within the Cluster
• Assist with training and supervising other researchers (e.g. student assistants, BSc students)
• Contribute to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment in our team

Your profile:

• We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who will work in an interdisciplinary team. A MSc in any area of the biological sciences or chemistry — including microbiology, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, or related fields — qualifies you for this project. Candidates nearing completion of their MSc are also encouraged to apply.
• A high level of curiosity, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail
• A cooperative personality actively seeking to contribute to our interdisciplinary and inclusive Microverse community
• Very good written and spoken English communication skills

Are you unsure because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network
• The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers a structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program based on top-level fundamental research and provides comprehensive mentoring programs and soft skills courses
• You will work in a brand-new building with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to foster interdisciplinary research in the microverse.
• Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• A dedicated management team, providing support and information on non-scientific subjects, such as onboarding and family life, and organizing individualized career development programs, and events on topics like diversity and collaboration
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement

The 3.5-year doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) is funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The employment contract will be with the University of Jena

To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are particularly welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to join us? Then apply by January 20, 2026 using our online portal.

Since all application documents will be duly destroyed after the recruitment process, we ask you to submit only copies of your documents.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to