The Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg is offering a
Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d)
in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics
“Studying gene regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level using
microfluidics and live-cell microscopy”
We are looking for a Postdoc in the field of Microbiology / Molecular Biology or Bioinformatics to study RNA-based regulation in bacterial pathogens at the single cell level in real time. Successful applicants will work in an interdisciplinary and international team at the Department of Molecular Infection Biology II (Prof. Dr. Cynthia Sharma) in Würzburg, Germany.
So far, 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 live cells in real time.
Research in our group focuses on 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: Froschauer et al., 2025, Nature Communications (PMID: 40159498), König et al., 2024, Nature Communications (PMID: 38897989), Jiao et al., 2021, Science (PMID: 33906967), Eisenbart et al., 2020, Molecular Cell (PMID: 33002424), or website: www.uni-wuerzburg.de/imib/forschung/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
Curiosity and drive to independently set up new methods
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
We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, or disability. The University aims to increase the proportion of female employees. Thus, applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to severely handicapped persons in case of otherwise equal aptitude. The position is available for one year with the possibility of extension. Salary is based on the pay scale for the public sector (TV-L).