Doctoral student (m/f/d) in the B-Phage project - Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene

Third-party funded within the B-PHAGE project, supported by STEP Saxony-Anhalt

You will contribute to fundamental research on bacteriophages. The project focuses on the molecular basis of phage–host interactions and on the genotype–phenotype relationship of phage infection in Staphylococcus aureus. The aim is to generate the mechanistic understanding required for the rational development of phage therapy.

Your Responsibilities:

• Isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages against Staphylococcus aureus isolates
• Determination and standardisation of host ranges (phagograms) using defined strain panels, including MRSA and MSSA isolates
• Design, execution and analysis of experimental evolution studies with bacteriophages
• Elucidation of the genotype–phenotype relationship of phage infection by means of sequencing and variant analysis
• Investigation of bacterial defence mechanisms and their influence on phage susceptibility
• Design of molecular and genomic methods, in particular next-generation sequencing, genome assembly and annotation
• Documentation, analysis and publication of results, and presentation at national and international conferences

Your Profile:

• Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology or a related discipline
• Sound knowledge of modern molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning, NGS) and confident aseptic technique; willingness to work under BSL-2 conditions
• Strong motivation and interest in questions relating to infectious disease
• Experience working with bacteriophages is an advantage
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Committed and independent working style, together with a strong sense of responsibility and reliability
• Social competence and flexibility

We offer:

• We offer you an exciting position in a tertiary care university hospital dedicated to patient care, research, and teaching.
• An independent doctoral project in an internationally visible field of researchAccess to an extensive collection of clinical isolates and to state-of-the-art infrastructure (e.g. Oxford Nanopore sequencing)
• Benefit from a wide range of internal and external training and professional development opportunities.
• Help protect the environment and enjoy discounted public transportation through a job ticket.
• In addition, we offer a diverse range of sports and relaxation activities as part of our workplace health promotion program.
• Onboarding: At the start of your employment, you will participate in our orientation program, where you will receive important information and training sessions

Terms and Conditions:

• Salary: The salary group E 13 according to “ Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder.” awaits you.
• Appointment: starting 1 October 2026, part-time (65%) and for a fixed term until 30 September 2029
• Work Location: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg
• Application Deadline: 21.08.2026

For further questions, please contact Mr. Prof. Dr. Achim Kaasch at 0391-67-13392.

Your application:

Preferred application format: online submission including a cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates.

online application

by E-Mail:

bewerbung@med.ovgu.de - (Reference number: 534-2026)

by Post:

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Faculty of Medicine

Personnel Division - Recruiting

Reference number: 534-2026

Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg

If you have an international vocational or academic qualification*, your application must be accompanied by a certificate evaluation from the* Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK)**. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you will need to apply for one if your application is successful.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification