The Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts. Our Microverse Mission: We integrate insights across ecological and medical fields to enhance our understanding of microbial balance from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We develop tools and detection technologies to shape microbiome dynamics for environmental and human health benefits. Jena - A Thriving Hub for Microbiology Research: The University of Jena together with the University Hospital and several Leibniz and Max Planck Institutes in Jena, Germany, join forces in the Cluster of Excellence since 2019. The affiliated Jena School for Microbial Communication offers a structured and interdisciplinary postgraduate training program, and career development support. We offer: 10 PhD positions (65%, salary according to German TV-L E13 for 3.5 years) with wet-lab or computational focus to decode microbial balance in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research network. The projects starting from January 2026 are embedded in three research areas: SIGNALS: explore how microbes produce, recognize and react to context-dependent signals, and the resulting community dynamics STRUCTURES: investigate the compositional and spatial structures of microbial communities and their influence on functions and stability, from local to global scales TRANSITIONS: study microbiome stability, resilience, and tipping points, using model systems and clinical data to uncover what drives changes from health to disease Your Profile: You have an MSc in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, bioimage analysis or a related field. You are curious, highly self-motivated and enthusiastic to develop your research project. You work independently and as part of an international team, have excellent English communication skills and are eager to contribute to our Microverse community. Find out more about our vibrant community, cross-system research approach, cutting-edge research facilities, comprehensive career support and the available positions on our Career Website: www.microverse-cluster.de/join.html How to Apply: Refer to our individual job offers at our website www.microverse-cluster.de/en/career/jobs.html and apply by October 20, 2025 Selected applicants will be invited to Jena for a recruitment meeting in November 2025. The positions will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The University of Jena and the participating research institutes are equal opportunity employers. Part-time contracts can be discussed. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. Join us in exploring how microbial balance shapes life - and in unlocking its potential for a healthier future.