PhD Student (m/f/d) Microbiome-targeting of HKDC1 in colon cancer

Institute of Experimental Medicine
The Institute of Experimental Medicine is focused on understanding the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases and microbiome-driven physiological adaptations in a holistic approach. The Institute is embedded in various national and international research alliances (e.g. the DFG Cluster of Excellence 2167 “Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation”, the DFG research unit 5042 “miTarget -The Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases”, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Evolutionary Medicine of the Lung (EvoLUNG) or the Global Microbiome Conservancy). 

Start in our team

The research group “functional host-microbiome research” is looking for professional and competent support as early as possible. The initial contract is limited for three years with the intent to prolong.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part-time employment currently 25 hours/week
• Application of gnotobiotic mouse models
• Training possibilities in advanced microbiome, molecular and bioinformatics technologies
• A stimulating and supportive scientific environment with close supervision and mentoring

Your tasks:

• Perform interventional gnotobiotic mouse experiments
• Analysis of large-scale gene expression and microbiome data
• Bioinformatic and experimental gene promoter analyses
• In vitro culturing of probiotic bacteria and eukaryotic cell lines or intestinal organoids
• Characterization of HKDC1-dependent metabolic and cellular processes

Your profile:

• A completed academic degree (Master or equivalent) in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, nutrition or related areas
• Experience in at least some of the planned methodologies including in vivo mouse models, anaerobic bacterial culture, eukaryotic cell and organoid culture and microbiome or gene expression data analyzes
• Basic understanding of command-line tools is advantageous (R and/or Python)
• Enthusiasm for microbiome research and systems medicine approaches
• Excellent English communication and writing skills

Please submit your application until 23.06.2026 indicating the reference number 28577.

Contact information:

PD Dr. Felix Sommer, Institute of Experimental Medicine at Kiel University and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Kiel, Phone: +49-431-500-30312, f.sommer@iem.uni-kiel.de