The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a
Postdoc Position in Bioinfomatics/Molecular Microbiology for Tick-Borne Pathogens (m/f/d)
The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoc position in Bioinformatics/Molecular Microbiology.
Ticks are major vectors of human and animal pathogens. In the framework of the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, we will develop a metagenomic approach for the tick microbiome and in-depth characterize selected pathogens. This will allow us to assess the complex dynamics of ticks and their pathogens under changing environmental conditions and its relevance to human health. The post will be mainly located at the Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg.
The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to questions of adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in the face of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is conducted here with outstanding international visibility, supported by the German Research Foundation. Future Forests brings together more than 50 researchers from four faculties as well as non-university partner institutions.
We offer:
- an exciting interdisciplinary environment within internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster
- structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development
- a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support
- opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking
- flexible working hours and support with work-life balance
- Subject to meeting the personal, professional, and collective bargaining requirements, remuneration up to pay grade TV L 13 is possible
Your tasks:
- Development and establishment of a metagenomic sequencing workflow for tick-borne pathogens
- Development and implementation of bioinformatic algorithms and software tools
- characterization of tick-borne pathogens
- molecular/microbiological wet-lab work
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
- Participation in a structured research program
- active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events
- Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Your profile:
- PhD in a relevant subject area (Bioinformatics, Biology/Microbiology)
- Skills in molecular analytics (particularly next-generation sequencing technology) and bioinformatic analyses (mapping, variant calling, de novo assemblies, phylogenies)
- very good knowledge of one or more programming languages (e.g. python, R, Java), workflow systems (snakemake/nextflow), and unix systems
- prior knowledge in basic microbiological techniques, ticks and tick-borne pathogens is advantageous
- Team spirit and communication skills
- interest in interdisciplinary research and clinical applications
- ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- proficient written and spoken English
- Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage
The position is initially limited until December 31, 2029.
Application:
Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and, if applicable, publication list) by 30.09.2026 to the application portal of the University Medical Center Freiburg.
For questions, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Marcus Panning
marcus.panning@uniklinik-freiburg.de
