We are looking for PhD students in the field of RNA Biology / Molecular Biology / CRISPR-Cas Biology to investigate RNA-based gene regulation in bacterial pathogens and/or the biology and mechanisms of prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems. 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. Our work on post-transcriptional gene expression includes the identification and characterization of novel regulators including small RNAs, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and small proteins with the application of diverse deep-sequencing technologies combined with RNA biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology approaches. In addition, we study the physiological roles and molecular mechanisms of bacterial CRISPR-Cas immune systems. 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 our website: www.uni-wuerzburg.de/imib/forschung/sharma. Unraveling the mechanisms and functions of small RNAs and RBPs in pathogenic bacteria Set-up of new methods to study bacterial RBPomes during stress- and infection-relevant conditions Exploring biology and molecular mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas and other bacterial immune systems M.Sc. degree or equivalent in a life science field Research interest in RNA biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or biochemistry 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