Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.
The newly established Viral Ecology and Omics group aims to study the role of viruses in the Microverse. To do this, we combine microbiological and eco/evolutionary experiments with molecular biology, microscopy, (meta ) genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling. Our level S1/S2 wet lab will feature a state-of-the-art laboratory automation system with high throughput plate reader, microscopy, microbiology, and molecular biology facilities. Our dry lab will feature three 3Tb nodes and GPU processors, incorporated in the compute cluster of the Friedrich Schiller University.
Viruses are fascinating little entities, but how much do we really understand about their roles in shaping the Microverse? Over the past decade, metagenomics has revealed an unprecedented diversity of viruses in many biomes, while cutting-edge experimental and computational technologies provide the tools to assess their functioning and dynamics. The next step is to perform high-throughput eco/evolutionary experiments to understand how viruses affect the behaviour, interactions, and evolution of microbes in different natural systems. Do you want to contribute and shape the future of viral ecology research? Join the new Viral Ecology and Omics group of Prof. Bas E. Dutilh as a:
Postdoctoral Microbiological Laboratory Manager (m/f/d)
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date. The new professorship is part of the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse (microverse-cluster.de). The Cluster combines expertise in life, material, optical and computational sciences to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats. We aim to identify the shared characteristics of disturbed or polluted ecosystems as well as infectious diseases on the microbiome level, and develop strategies for their remediation by targeted interventions.
We are looking for:
A Laboratory Manager to coordinate and support the wet lab activities of our group. In addition, you will have freedom to pursue your own research interests within the scope of Viral Ecology and Omics. You will oversee the establishment and day to day running of our wet lab, provide daily supervision for a laboratory technician, and support the group by performing microbiological experiments. The lab management functions will involve ordering and management of equipment, ordering consumables, training students, and establishment and maintenance of biological safety procedures and documentation at S1 and S2 levels.
Your responsibilities:
• Assist the PI in setting up the new wet lab, ordering equipment and consumables, etc.
• Take responsibility for daily supervision of a laboratory technician who will assist you.
• Establish lab rules, take responsibility for protocols, training, inspections, and documentation.
• Organise repair, service, and maintenance of the group’s equipment.
• Manage the lab space to ensure efficient and orderly usage by the group.
• Manage media supply, wash-up and waste disposal, and order consumables for the group.
• Train and supervise group members, including those with little or no experience.
• Support PhD students, Master students and undergraduate project students.
• Collaborate productively with experimental and computational researchers.
• Process samples, isolate bacteria and bacteriophages, manage strain collections.
Your profile:
• A MSc or PhD in microbiology, virology, microbial ecology, or related discipline.
• Specialist knowledge and hands-on expertise in standard microbiological techniques.
• The work in the Viral Ecology and Omics Group is not bound to a specific biome, so hands-on experience with cultivation of microbes and/or viruses from diverse habitats (e.g., nutrient-poor, anoxic, or polluted sites) is beneficial.
• Experience with laboratory automation is beneficial.
• Demonstrable experience with the tasks and responsibilities listed above.
• Track record of supervision and training of students or junior researchers.
• Enthusiasm and talent for working on a variety of projects in parallel and for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work as a team and to interact with people from diverse nationalities and scientific backgrounds.
• Strong motivation, excellent organisation skills and ability to contribute to a friendly and collaborative working environment.
• Fluency in English is required, both written and spoken. Fluency in German is highly advantageous. Fluency in other languages is a plus.
We offer:
• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network.
• Embedding in a leading research group in the field of viral ecology and metagenomics.
• A unique opportunity to integrate modelling, omics data, and wet lab experiments.
• A comprehensive continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures.
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda. Jena is among the most liveable cities in Germany. Situated on the Saale River and surrounded by the famous Thuringian Forest, this city is ideal for lovers of nature and hiking.
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder).
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL).
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E 13 (depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications) including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
The full-time position (40 hours per week) is initially for two years with the possibility to be extended subject to suitability. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer and part-time contracts can be discussed.
To promote gender equality in science, applications by woman are especially welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates and a list of publications. Please submit your application by email as a single PDF file, stating the vacancy ID 343/2021 by 30 September 2021 to:
microverse@uni-jena.de
Since all application documents will be duly destroyed after the recruitment process, we ask you to submit only copies of your documents. For further information for applicants, please also refer to www4.uni-jena.de/stellenmarkt_hinweis.html (in German)
Please also note the information on the collection of personal data at www4.uni-jena.de/en/jobs_information_collecting_personal_data.html
0 Comments