The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoll Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich Schiller University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate training program. The International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena) gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions. We invite applications for a PhD Student Position (Ref.No. 08/2011) Micronutrient acquisition during fungal infections.

Candida albicans and C. glabrata are two of the most important fungal pathogens of humans. They normally exist as harmless commensals on mucosal surfaces, for example in the gut of a healthy host. Only under certain predisposing conditions, they can become pathogenic, leading to severe superficial or even life-threatening systemic diseases. The processes which trigger the transition from the commensal stage to infection are not clear. However, it is known that the normal microbial flora and the host defence are normally sufficient to keep the fungus in its commensal stage. The host employs a whole armamentarium of antifungal activities: in addition to the innate and adaptive parts of the immune system, the host is able to severely restrict the availability and accessibility of nutrients in a process called 'nutritional immunity'. First and foremost, the pathogen's access to micronutrients like iron or zinc is shut off. As successful pathogens, C. albicans and C. glabrata must have ways to circumvent this host defense mechanism and acquire micronutrients in vivo. This project will help to elucidate the strategies by which the fungi are able to acquire these micronutrients during infection, using molecular, cellular and systems biology approaches.

We expect:

• a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
• high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS
• an integrative and cooperative personality
• very good communication skills in English

We offer:

• a top-level research environment
• efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
• a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)
• courses in state-of-the-art technologies and soft skills
• strong communication and interaction between the involved institutions
• Jena - City of Science: innovative business activities, successful scientific centres and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

The three-year PhD position is available starting from March 2012. Salary will be paid according to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). HKI is an equal opportunity employer.

Further information:
Dr. Sascha Brunke:
Prof. Bernhard Hube, PI:
Dr. Christine Vogler, ILRS Coordinator:

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website www.ilrs.hki-jena.de and thoroughly fill in the Statement of Interest form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications in English including the completed Statement of Interest, curriculum vitae, copies of relevant certificates (MSc, BSc, etc.), and references should be submitted to: . Deadline for application: November 30, 2011. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting on Feb 13-14, 2012.

Job opportunities should be related to Candida biology. Postings will be added at the discretion of the CGD staff. To submit a posting, contact the CGD Curators. Postings will typically remain on the CGD web site for two to three months after submission, or they may be removed sooner at the request of the submitter.