University of Würzburg and Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, GERMANY
1 Scientist / Postdoc position
Jumbo phage biology and phage therapy
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher position in the group of Professor Jörg Vogel to investigate jumbo phage molecular biology and advance the application of programmable ASO technology as a tool to dissect a phage’s infection cycle in genetically intractable systems (see our recent papers: Gerovac M et al. 2025 Nature ; Gerovac M et al. 2024 Nature Microbiology ). We are interested in understanding RNA-centric regulation of molecular decision points in the infection cycle, which includes subcellular organisation of mRNA export and phage protein import and mechanisms to overcome host immune defense. Moreover, we seek to advance jumbo phages towards phage therapy applications. This project is part of the priority programme New Concepts in Prokaryotic Virus-Host Interactions – from Single Cells to Microbial Communities (DFG SPP 2330). More information about the Vogel lab can be found at .
Applicants should have a doctoral/PhD degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or biotechnology. Further information about available projects can be obtained by email to joerg.vogel@uni-wuerzburg.de .
The position can be filled in full- or part-time asap and will be available for two years with the possibility of extension. Salary will be based on the pay scale of the public sector in Germany (TV-L) and comply with qualification. The University aims to increase the proportion of female employees, thus applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to handicapped persons in case of otherwise equal aptitude.
Please email your application by January 11th, 2026 including a short letter of motivation, CV and publication list, copies of relevant documents and certificates as well as contact information of two academic references, all in a single PDF file with the reference ‘ Phage ’ to Monika Schraut ( imib1-sekretariat@uni-wuerzburg.de ).
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie
Sekretariat Prof. Vogel
Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D15
97080 Würzburg
Please send copies only. For cost reasons, application documents cannot be returned. They will be destroyed shortly after the selection process has been completed. If you enclose a stamped envelope, your application documents will be returned to you three months after the selection process has been completed.