Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Microbiome Systems Biology

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 095/2026

Closing date:

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 – Libert y, 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.

Position Overview

The Microbiome Dynamics Group at the Institute of Microbiology seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Microbiome Systems Biology commencing on 1st of April, 2026. The position is full‑time (100 %, 40 hours per week), limited to 2 years.

The research group Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) is seeking an excellent and enthusiastic Post‑doc for high‑risk, high‑reward research in the fields of metagenomics and big data integration. MBD is an active participant in several national and international collaborative efforts on the interplay between the host, symbiotic communities, and pathogenic species. Together with renowned scientists and supported by an excellent infrastructure you will have the opportunity to make an important contribution toward a healthier society. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Responsibilities

The Post‑doc project is framed on the new collaborative research project “SynThera” ( The specific objective is to integrate shotgun metagenomics data with genome‑scale metabolic modeling, using machine learning methods to propose novel strategies to increase colonization potential of engineered probiotic strains in the human gut.

You will also:

• Contribute to several national and international research projects focused on the role of the microbiome in globally significant diseases
• Contribute to sharing your knowledge through publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities

Profile

• A strong interest in conducting collaborative research on the topic outlined above is paramount
• Candidates are expected to be interested in working at the boundaries of several research domains
• PhD degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in the analysis of metagenomics and/or biological high‑throughput data
• Knowledge of statistical and machine learning methods in the context of biological systems
• Experience with programming (e.g., Python, Perl, C++, R)
• Well‑developed collaborative skills

Offer

• The successful candidate will be hosted in the research group Microbiome Dynamics of Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou ( in an international, dynamic team, and an “open‑door” atmosphere with access to state‑of‑the‑art computational resources.
• MBD is currently coordinating the EU‑funded consortium MiCCrobioTAckle ( the BMBF‑funded consortium PerMICCion ( and is an active participant in the EU‑funded consortia FOODGUARD and NUTRIMMUNE, the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" ( and the CRC/Transregio 124 "Pathogenic fungi and their human host: Networks of interaction" ( funded by the DFG and the consortium SynThera funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
• We offer an international and multi‑disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research field. Currently, the group consists of approximately 15 members at different levels of seniority.
• Comprehensive support by our local and international network.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV‑L) at salary scale E‑13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, 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.

This is a full‑time position (100 %, 40 hours per week) offered as a fixed‑term position for 2 years.

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

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by using our online form.

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