Postdoc in Prophage Engineering (f/m/x)

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Join the cutting-edge ERC-funded research project PHAGE-PRO at the intersection of phage biology, infection research, and synthetic microbiology.

The position is hosted jointly at Helmholtz Munich and in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology at the Max von Pettenkofer Institute, LMU Munich. You will work in the lab of Prof. Dr. Carolin Wendling, which explores how bacteriophages shape bacterial adaptation and pathogenicity within the human microbiome. Our interdisciplinary team combines experimental evolution, molecular microbiology, synthetic communities, and computational biology.

The project aims to pioneer a novel form of phage therapy by engineering prophages-phages integrated into bacterial genomes-for bacterial control and therapeutic application. Together, we identify functional prophage genes, develop genetic tools, and test engineered phages in infection models.

Your tasks

• Plan and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess phage-based therapies against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens
• Investigate host-phage and microbiome-phage interactions using transcriptomics, microscopy, and microbiological assays
• Analyze infection dynamics and monitor phage resistance evolution
• Characterize therapeutic phage combinations in preclinical models (including animal experiments abroad)
• Collaborate on novel phage application strategies and contribute to publications and conference presentations
• Engage actively in team meetings and the interdisciplinary PHAGE-PRO network

Your profile

• PhD in life sciences, biomedical sciences, natural sciences, or a related field
• Strong background in microbiology and infection biology, including experience with BSL2 pathogens and/or phages
• Experience in bioinformatics is an asset – or motivation to learn during the project

Desirable qualifications

• Interest in or openness to a 6-month research stay abroad for in vivo experiments
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Hülya Ali, huelya.ali@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Contact details for at least two referees

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

Benefits

• Personal Development: Comprehensive in-house training and development opportunities
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• Work-Life-Balance: Flexible working hours and flexi-time models