Junior Group Leader - Phage Biology & Biotechnology

Your Job:

In this exciting position, you will manage an independent, internationally visible research program in the area of phage-host interactions and their applications. Research areas include, but are not limited to the:

• Impact and application of viruses infecting bacteria
  
• Biology of their hosts at the cellular or molecular level
  
• Utilization of phages for microbiome modulation (in particular focusing on plant or soil microbial communities)
  
• Identification and molecular characterization of new antiviral defense mechanisms and their applications in bioengineering
  
• Establishment of sustainable phage-based biocontrol strategies.
  

Candidates are expected to develop an independent and internationally visible research program and participate actively in microbiological research initiatives (e.g. CRC 1535 "Microbial Networking) at the Forschungszentrum and the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf. Candidates are expected to apply for additional third-party funding, e.g. within the DFG Emmy-Noether or ERC Starting Grant programs.

Your Profile:

• Master and PhD degree in the field of Microbiology, Molecular Biology or similar relevant fields
  
• Outstanding scientific track record as reflected by highly visible publications in respected academic journals and competitive funding or fellowships
  
• Substantial research experience in one or several of the above-mentioned research areas.
  
• The position promotes the establishment of an early career researcher (max. 5 years after PhD). Additional extensions can be granted in case of parental leave or illness.
  

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: The position offers you the opportunity to develop your independent research profile in the emerging field of “Phage Biology & Biotechnology” in a stimulating and international environment
  
• LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT: We provide targeted support for your leadership skills—with an extensive portfolio of individual training courses and a wide range of networking opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/LeadershipCulture
  
• PERSPECTIVE: The position is initially for a fixed term of 2 years, with the possibility to extend the contract for 3 additional years (5 years in total).
  
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed The monthly salaries in euros can be found here: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt
  
• NETWORIKING: Integration into collaborative research environment, including the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1535 “Microbial Networking” ( https://www.sfb1535.hhu.de/ ).
  
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments, including options close to full-time ( https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time ) which allow you to customize your working hours
  
• HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings — e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
  
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey