The DSMZ is the most comprehensive biological resource center worldwide. Being one of the world's largest collections, the DSMZ currently comprises more than 93,600 items, including about 41,400 different bacterial and archaeal strains, 10,300 fungal strains, 990 human and animal cell lines, 1,000 plant viruses plus antisera, 1,500 bacteriophages and more than 23,600 different types of bacterial genomic DNA. All biological materials accepted in the DSMZ collection are subject to extensive quality control and physiological and molecular characterization by our central services. In addition, DSMZ provides an extensive documentation and detailed diagnostic information on the biological materials. The unprecedented diversity and quality management of its bioresources render the DSMZ an internationally renowned supplier for science, diagnostic laboratories, national reference centers, as well as industrial partners. The trans-sectoral research of the DSMZ focuses in (1) microbial diversity and the underlying evolutionary mechanisms (cross-cutting research topic Systematics & Evolution), (2) the diversity of microbial functions and adaptations (cross-cutting research topic Functional Diversity), and (3) the molecular mechanisms of biotic interactions (symbiosis, mechanisms of disease, cancer; cross-cutting research topic Pathobiology). On the applied side, research also covers the development of methods for the access and ex situ preservation of biodiversity. The DSMZ maintains specific expertise and offers counseling in the areas microbial taxonomy, phylogeny and species description standardization and quality assurance of bioresources biosafety and biosecurity legal framework for the exploitation of bioresources (Patenting, Convention of Biological Diversity, Access and Benefit Sharing) The DSMZ employs around 230 people from 18 nations. The share of women is 70 percent overall and 45 percent of the employees are scientists with a share of women of almost 50 percent. More information please find at www.dsmz.de. The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, offers the position of a Research Associate / PhD candidate (m/f/d) “Molecular mechanisms of metronidazole resistance in Bacteroides fragilis\" We aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Bacteroides fragilis, an important human pathobiont. This project focuses on resistance to metronidazole, which remains relatively rare but is of growing clinical concern. The aim is to characterize metabolic adaptations in resistant clinical isolates and to elucidate the role of Nim proteins and key enzymes in central metabolism. The project seeks to advance our understanding of resistance mechanisms and to identify potential diagnostic markers. The position is offered in as part of a joint project with a second PhD candidate in the group of Ap. Prof. Dr. David Leitsch at the Medical University of Vienna. For further information and more detailed project descriptions please contact Prof. Dr. Meina Neumann-Schaal (meina.neumann-schaal@dsmz.de). What you offer: Master's level university degree in the life sciences, or related Strong interest in biochemistry, mass spectrometry and interdisciplinary work Team spirit and cooperative work style Experience with microbiological and molecular biological methods will be a plus A good command of English What we offer: Research opportunities at the forefront of life sciences Plenty of room for creativity & challenging topics Access to state-of-the-art Omics methods, including long read DNA sequencing technologies and metabolomics Access to cell sorting and high throughput cultivation technology Access to in-house high-performance computing clusters An interdisciplinary working environment with frequent exchange of experiences A motivated research team and a pleasant working atmosphere in a scientific environment Education and training, mentoring programs A company certified according to audit berufundfamilie®, therefore flexible possibilities to combine work and family life The position is part-time (65%) and initially limited to 3 years. The salary level will be TV-L 13. The starting date envisioned is as soon as possible. The DSMZ strives to increase the proportion of female scientists and encourage female candidates specifically to apply. Disabled applicants with identical technical and personal qualification will be preferentially selected. In the case of degrees obtained abroad, proof of equivalence with a German degree must be enclosed. For further information, please refer to the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). The DSMZ is an equal opportunity employer, supports balanced work-life career development, and holds the certificate of the audit berufundfamilie®.