Job Advertisement HKI– 38/ 2024 The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology ( Leibniz–HKI ) investigates the pathobiology of human–pathogenic fungi and develops novel natural product–based antiinfectives. As part of the Thuringian Research Group Program, we are currently setting up the junior research group Secondary Metabolism of Microbial Interactions and invite talented and highly motivated candidates to apply for a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Natural Product Discovery Natural products, especially of bacterial or fungal origin, are an important source of new antibiotics. These metabolites further play important roles in microbial interactions and communication. For the discovery of novel (antimicrobial) natural products, we are investigating interactions in the moss microbiome – a promising, but so far understudied habitat. The candidate will collect bacterial strains from mosses and use bioinformatics (metagenomics, genome mining) to identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters in the moss microbiome. Promising gene clusters will be characterized experimentally to isolate the corresponding natural products and determine their activities. To complement the young and committed team, we are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to start in January 2025. The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund Plus. Doctoral degree in life sciences or chemistry (e.g. chemical biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline) Experience in natural product isolation / characterization or experience in natural product bioinformatics (genome mining, metagenomics) Experience in working with plants is an advantage Experience in high–resolution mass spectrometry and metabolomics is a plus Data analysis and (Python) programming skills are beneficial Very good communication skills in English, both written and spoken Well–developed collaborative skills The successful candidate will be hosted in the junior research group Secondary Metabolism of Microbial Interactions, led by Dr. Jethro Hemmann. The Leibniz–HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state–of–the–art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups. We offer a multifaceted scientific project with excellent technical facilities, a place in a committed team, as well as strong scientific collaborations. Salary is paid according to German TV–L (salary agreement for public service employees).