PhD position (m/f/d) for "Translation of evolutionary principles into antimicrobial treatment"

Institute of Medical Microbiology (Director: Prof. Dr. med. Jan Rupp)

Antibiotic resistance develops through natural selection and genetic drift in bacterial populations, representing an inevitable outcome of adaptive evolution under antibiotic pressure. While responsible antibiotic use can slow this process, it cannot prevent it entirely. A deeper understanding of bacterial evolutionary pathways and the ecological and physiological consequences of resistance is essential for developing sustainable therapeutic strategies.

This doctoral project aims to address antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections (UTIs) by screening and optimizing antibiotic combinations. The work will integrate evolutionary principles and their quantitative readouts into comprehensive evaluation frameworks to ensure long-lasting therapeutic efficacy against both sensitive and multidrug-resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains. Using UTIs in hospitalized patients as a clinical use case, the project will translate in vitro results into clinical recommendations.

The position is based in Lübeck, an attractive university town offering a vibrant academic community, diverse cultural life, and excellent quality of life. With a dynamic student scene, charming historic center, and the Baltic Sea just a short trip away, Lübeck provides an ideal setting for pursuing a PhD. 

We invite applications for a doctoral researcher starting 1 April 2026, to join our team as part of a newly established junior research group, and contribute to advancing evolution-informed antibiotic therapy. The position is initially limited until 31 March 2029. 

What we offer:

• Placement in pay group E13 TV-L (65%), if you fulfil the requirements of the collective agreement
• A modern scientific infrastructure
• Competent and structured professional supervision in a team-oriented working environment
• Experimental infection models, and application of up-to-date multi-omics techniques
• Interdisciplinary team of researchers and physicians within the Institute
• Integration into the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)

Your role:

• Research on antibiotic resistance as an evolutionary process, including its ecological and physiological consequences
• A doctoral project focused on screening and optimizing antibiotic combinations for urinary tract infections
• Work with both antibiotic-sensitive and multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains
• Integration of evolutionary principles and quantitative readouts into translational frameworks, linking in vitro results to clinical recommendations
• A PhD position based in Lübeck, offering a vibrant academic environment, high quality of life, and proximity to the Baltic Sea

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed a Master’s degree in the field of life sciences
• Research experience in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine, biochemistry and/or immunology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high scientific curiosity
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
• Good communication skills in English

We look forward to receiving your application by 13 February 2026, quoting our job advertisement number 27900.