The Department Microbial Immune Regulation of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) is offering a Master Thesis in the area of human microbiome research “Investigating functionalities impacting human gut microbiome transmission”. The human gut microbiome contains thousands of microbial species and trillions of microbial cells. Far from being static, our gut microbiomes evolve throughout life through ongoing microbial acquisition and transmission, affecting human health beyond infectious diseases. Although environmental factors (such as proximity and interpersonal relationships) influence microbiome transmission, the role of inherent biological traits of gut microbes in person-to-person transmission remains largely unexplored. This project aims to examine microbial functional and metabolic traits that may affect the person-to-person transmission of commensal gut microbes (e.g., Segatella copri). The study will combine bioinformatics methods with large internal and external datasets to explore functions in commonly transmissible gut species. References: [1] K. D. Huang, M. Müller, P. Sivapornnukul, A. A. Bielecka, L. Amend, C. Tawk, T. R. Lesker, A. Hahn, T. Strowig. Dietary selective effects manifest in the human gut microbiota from species composition to strain genetic makeup. 2025. Cell Reports. [2] Y. E. Mouali, C. Tawk, K. D. Huang, L. Amend, T. R. Lesker, F. Ponath, J. Vogel, T. Strowig. The RNA landscape of the human commensal Segatella copri reveals a small RNA essential for gut colonization. 2024. Cell Host & Microbe. [3] M. Valles-Colomer, A. Blanco-Míguez, P. Manghi, F. Asnicar, F. Armanini, F. Cumbo, K. D. Huang, S. Manara, G. Masetti, F. Pinto, L. Ricci, M. Zolfo, O. Farrant, A. Goncalves, M. Selma-Royo, A. G. Binetti, J. E. Becerra, B. Han, J. Lusingu, J. Amuasi, L. Amoroso, A. Visconti, C. M. Steves, M. Falchi, M. Filosi, A. Tett, A. Last, Q. Xu, N. Qin, H. Qin, D. Eibach, M. V. Corrias, M. Ponzoni, E. Pasolli, T. D. Spector, E. Domenici, M. C. Collado, N. Segata. The person-to-person transmission landscape of the gut and oral microbiomes. 2023. Nature. We are looking for a Master-student who enjoys the activities described. Advanced master's degree Proficiency in at least one programming language: Python, R, or Bash. Familiarity with Unix systems A basic understanding of HPC (High-Performance Computing) environments would be an advantage Sufficient understanding of biostatistics, ecology, evolution, and molecular biology Strong motivation to acquire new bioinformatics skills and knowledge An expense allowance of EUR 450 per month for a maximum of 6 months An exciting and varied role in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment on the Science Campus South in Braunschweig Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies A corporate culture that promotes appreciation and equal opportunities Professional supervision and technical support during your master's thesis The opportunity to work on a current and practice-relevant topic in a scientific context and learn a lot in a friendly and international team