Job Description

for four years.

Project title:

My enemy’s enemy is my friend

– Mycoparasites as unexplored resource for antiinfectives

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Research Area:

Early-diverging fungi (EDF) represent an untapped resource in natural product research. EDF of the mycoparasitic order Dimargaritales infect (and live on) other basal fungi including human-pathogenic mucoromycetes. The Dimargaritales genomes encodes numerous enzymes for secondary metabolites, particularly oligopeptides. The proposed project focuses on natural products of Dimargaris cristalligena and related species during their intimate host-parasite interaction. The overarching objective is the isolation of novel anti-infectives from mycoparasites that can target selectively poorly treatable human-pathogenic mucoromycetes („My enemy’s enemy is my friend“ strategy). Both the ecological significance and the potential medical application of the compounds will be studied. Additionally, the underlying biosynthetic enzymes will be investigated with regard to a potential biotechnological production.


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Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferentially in chemistry, pharmacy or biochemistry; alternatively, in microbiology or related disciplines. Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply. Strong experimental background in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or natural product isolation. Experience in chemical analysis of natural products (e.g. mass spectrometry and NMR) is a plus. The candidate should be willing and able to work in an international, interdisciplinary research team. Very good communication skills in English. German language skills (B1 or higher) are desirable.
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We offer:

Cutting edge research facilities and world-renowned faculty A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network Integration into the structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program ILRS 2.0 Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).
The successful candidate will be hosted in the

Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology

and jointly supervised by

PD Dr. Markus Gressler

and

PD Dr. Kerstin Voigt

. The Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups.


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Further information:

For more information about ILRS2.0, please click here.

Christine Vogler | christine.vogler@leibniz-hki.de


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Applications:

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law, will receive consideration for employment.



Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV, a certificate of study/transcript of records, the addresses of three possible referees, and should be submitted The deadline for applications is

December 13, 2025

. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment meeting in Jena in early 2026 for personal interviews.







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