Doctoral Researcher in Biophotonics

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 186/2026

Closing date:

Doctoral Researcher in Biophotonics

Commencing on 01 October 2026. We offer a part‑time position (65%, 26 hours per week), with fixed‑term employment until 30 June 2030.

The DFG‑funded Collaborative Research Centre 1768 “VirusREvolution: Decoding tools for virus research” is a highly ambitious research centre at Friedrich Schiller University with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction and visualisation. Its integrated research training group is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program and invites applications for doctoral and postdoctoral researcher positions in various fields of research.

In this doctoral project "Raman spectroscopy: A tool for Host Response and Virus Characterisation", you will combine advanced Raman spectroscopy workflows with machine learning algorithms to translate complex spectral data into actionable phenotypic insights for viral research.

Your responsibilities:

• Research sample preparation protocols optimised specifically for Raman analysis, providing a robust foundation for elucidating virus infection cycles
• Systematically integrate Raman spectroscopy data with multiomics datasets (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic) for the analysis of virus interactions across different host systems
• Participate in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and collaborate closely with the tandem project partner
• Engage in regular discussions with other group and project members
• Collaborate with BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Publish papers and present your work at national and international scientific meetings

Your profile:

• A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in physical chemistry, chemical biology, microbiology or a related discipline
• Knowledge and skills in cell‑culture, microscopy, staining methods and sample preparation for cell‑ and microbiology
• Knowledge in optics and Raman spectroscopy
• Knowledge in bioinformatics methods, virus genomics and biological data analysis is desirable
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
• Excellent skills in English are required, both written and spoken

We offer:

• Embedding in a cross‑disciplinary research group and a large, ambitious research consortium
• Affiliation to an Integrated Research Training Group, offering close support and a comprehensive education program for hard skills and transferable skills, supported by the Jena Graduate Academy
• A family‑friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV‑L) at salary scale E13, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.