Last Date: January 28th, 2024.
We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of Infection Biology / Microbiology / Cell Biology
to study host factors and pathways during infections with food-borne pathogens in the framework of the
recently established CRC DECIDE research network at the University of Würzburg. DECIDE groups
investigate key decisions that determine the outcome of infections. These decisions are defined by a complex
interplay of the pathogen with the host and the microbiota as well as immune responses. We apply cuttingedge technologies (single-cell RNA-seq, complex human tissue and animal models) to investigate key
decisions in a broad range of highly relevant infections with human pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi). For
further information, see www.crc-decide.de.
Successful applicants will work in an interdisciplinary and international team at the Department of Molecular
Infection Biology II (Prof. Dr. Cynthia Sharma) in Würzburg, Germany. Research in our group focuses on
mechanisms and functions of gene regulation in stress response and virulence control of the human pathogens
Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni. For further information on our research, please see also our
recent publications: Jiao et al., 2021, Science (PMID: 33906967), Pernitzsch et al., 2021, Nature
Communications (PMID: 34290242), Eisenbart et al., 2020, Molecular Cell (PMID: 33002424), or our website:
www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/imib/research/sharma. In our DECIDE project, we aim to elucidate age-dependent
epithelial determinants influencing infections with the food-borne pathogen C. jejuni.
Successful candidates will:
- Establish adult and neonatal intestinal organoid models for infection studies with C. jejuni including the
application of dual RNA-seq to identify host/pathogen disease-contributing factors - Apply single-cell RNA-seq to determine an epithelial target cell / (sub)type for C. jejuni
- Investigate molecular mechanisms that define age-dependent infection of intestinal epithelia
Applicants should have the following qualifications: - PhD/doctoral degree in either life sciences or natural sciences
- Background in infection / cell biology, microbiology, RNA / molecular biology, or tissue engineering
- Strong written and spoken English skills, high self-motivation, dedication to perform excellent research
We offer: - A structured post-graduate program, including a state-of-the-art training program as member of the
Integrated Research and Training Group of the CRC (IRTG DECIDE) - An interdisciplinary and international research team
- An open-minded and collaborative work environment with a strong focus on RNA and infections
- Excellent infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies
We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of race, gender, or disability. The
University aims to increase the proportion of female employees. Thus, applications from qualified women are
particularly welcome. Preference will be given to severely handicapped persons in case of otherwise equal
aptitude. The contract will be fixed term for 1 year with the option of extension. Remuneration will be based on
the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L)
Please send your application including a letter of motivation, CV, and publication list, copies of relevant
documents, and contacts of two academic references preferably via email to [email protected]
as a single PDF-file until January 28
th, 2024.
