Doctoral Researcher Positions

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 Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is an ambitious Graduate School with over 130 doctoral and postdoctoral scientists. We offer structured, interdisciplinary PhD and career training programs based on top-level fundamental research. They conceptually combine different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication. The Cluster of Excellence ‘Balance of the Microverse’ studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts.

The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ and the Cluster of Excellence ‘Balance of the Microverse’ invite applications for

Doctoral (TV-L E13, 65%) Researcher Positions

commencing in 2026.
We offer two doctoral full-time positions (40 hours per week), part-time arrangements can be discussed, offered as a fixed-term positions for 3 years.

We expect:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural or Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Geosciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, etc.). Candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply
• high motivation and interest in joining one of the interdisciplinary research areas of the JSMC
• creativity and interest in shaping your own thesis
• an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC and Microverse Community
• excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)

We offer:

• a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
• doctoral researcher positions for 3 years (German TV-L E13, 65%)
• projects with wet-lab or computational focus to decode microbial balance in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research network
• a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
• top-level PhD and career training programs with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies, transferable, and soft skills
• Jena - a German City of top-level Science: The University of Jena, together with the University Hospital and several Leibniz and Max Planck Institutes in Jena, Germany, join forces in the JSMC and the Cluster of Excellence!
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at the salary scale TV-L 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

How to Apply: Refer to our individual job offers and apply by August 20, 2026.

Selected applicants will be invited to the JSMC Recruitment Meeting (an online interview).

The positions will be funded through the JSMC through the Thuringian State government (2026-2028) and subsequently through the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State governments (2029). The University of Jena and the participating research institutes are equal opportunity employers. Part-time contracts can be discussed. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference when their qualifications and suitability are equal.

Join us in exploring how microbial balance shapes life – and in unlocking its potential for a healthier future.