“Studying gene regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level using microfluidics and live-cell microscopy” We are looking for PhD students in the field of Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Bioinformatics to study RNA-based regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level in real time. 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. So far, very little is known about the dynamics and single-cell heterogeneity of post-transcriptional regulation using small RNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Thus, in our MOMENTUM project funded by the VolkswagenStiftung we will use microfluidic systems coupled with time-lapse microscopy to monitor bacterial gene expression and stress responses in live cells in real time. Research in our group focuses on 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: König et al., 2024, Nature Communications (PMID: 38897989), Jiao et al., 2021, Science (PMID: 33906967), Pernitzsch et al., 2021, Nature Communications (PMID: 34290242), Eisenbart et al., 2020, Molecular Cell (PMID: 33002424), or website: www.uni-wuerzburg.de/imib/forschung/sharma. Set up microfluidic devices combined with time-lapse microscopy Monitor single-cell parameters and heterogeneity of RNA-based regulation in live bacterial cells Develop data analysis tools for single-cell parameters and time-resolved reporter expression data M.Sc. degree or equivalent life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, physics, or engineering Research interest in RNA biology/molecular biology/microbiology, microscopy/image-based data analysis, biotechnology/bioengineering, or bioinformatics/computer sciences Curiosity and drive to independently set up new methods Strong written and spoken English skills, high self-motivation, dedication to perform excellent research An interdisciplinary and international research team An open-minded and collaborative work environment with a strong focus on RNA and infection biology State-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies Diverse opportunities for further education, career development, and training at the JMU Würzburg