The Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg is offering
Two Postdoctoral positions (f/m/d) in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology/Bioinformatics
“Studying gene regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level using microfluidics and live-cell microscopy”
The Department of Molecular Infection Biology II (Prof. Dr. Cynthia Sharma) is recruiting two postdoctoral researchers in the field of Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Bioengineering / Bioinformatics to study RNA-based regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level in real time. 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 real time in live cells.
Successful applicants will work in the interdisciplinary and international team of the Sharma lab 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:
König et al., 2024, Nature Communications (PMID: 38897989), Svensson & Sharma, 2022, Molecular Microbiology (PMID: 34818434), 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/.
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
PhD/doctoral degree in either life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, physics, or engineering
Research background in RNA biology/molecular biology/microbiology, microscopy/image-based data analysis, biotechnology/bioengineering, or bioinformatics/computer sciences
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