The core mission of the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena is to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plant and human hosts. 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. The affiliated early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers an ambitious, structured and interdisciplinary post-graduate training based on top-level fundamental research.

The Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher Position(m/f/d) in Automated Bioimage Analysis

commencing on October 1, 2023 or at the earliest possible date thereafter. As a new member of the Applied Systems Biology theoretical research group, you will play a central role in developing workflows for quantitative analysis of organ-on-chip models based on microscopic images acquired by our experimental collaborators in the Cluster of Excellence. The main goal of this project is to develop image analysis workflows that incorporate both classical and deep learning-based analyses to quantify correlations between gut dysbiosis and respiratory viral infections in the gut-lung axis. To achieve these goals, workflows are being developed in our recently developed visual programming language “Java Image Processing Pipeline” (JIPipe: www.JIPipe.org) that is symbiotic with ImageJ.

Your opportunities:

• Actively contribute to the development of the project
• Produce high-quality written manuscripts
• Present your results at national and international conferences
• Assist with training other researchers, including Masters’ and undergraduate project students
• Contribute to maintaining the friendly, welcoming and collaborative environment within the group

Your profile

• A PhD (or equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, (bio-)informatics, physics or other programming-affine fields. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their doctorate are also eligible to apply.
• Solid knowledge in programming in Java, Python and/or C++ is desired
• Highly motivated individual with an interest in joining one of the interdisciplinary research areas of the Microverse Cluster
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic Microverse community
• English communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network
• A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• 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)

The two-year full-time positions will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. A part-time contract can be discussed. To promote gender equality in science, applications by women 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 and copies of academic certificates. Please familiarize yourself with the currently available postdoctoral projects (www.microverse-cluster.de) and the application process as described in the Online Application Portal. Please submit your application via the JSMC Online Application Portal, under the vacancy ID 08/2023 by 16th August 2023:

https://apply.jsmc.uni-jena.de/

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

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 and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to https://www.uni-jena.de/stellenmarkt?info=1 …