PhD Student (m/f/div) in Bioprocess Engineering

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Job-ID 07/2026

At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), we investigate the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases.

PhD Student (m/f/div) in Bioprocess Engineering

The position is initially limited to three years.

We are looking for a person who is enthusiastic about researching aerobic bioprocesses which generate only an absolute minimum of CO2. This goal can be achieved with a mixture of molecular biological modifications of metabolism and innovative process control. As part of a joint DFG project, we are working on the topic together with the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (Aljoscha Wahl) and Forschungszentrum Jülich (Stephan Noack and Jan Marienhagen), with the process focus being on us at the Biotechnikum in Jena. More details on the scientific background can be found in this review article published in Current Opinion in Biotechnology (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0958166923000770?via%3Dihub).

Your responsibilities:

• You will develop and investigate fermentation processes with heavily reduced CO2 emissions under pressurized conditions.
• You scale processes from the shake flask to the stirred tank scale up to 300 L if necessary.
• You will implement the complete bioprocess chain from methanol to the pure product and create mass and energy balances.
• You will process, analyze, and interpret the data of your experiments, prepare reportsandpresentations, and learn to write publications.
• You will participate in scientific discussions and present your work at national and international conferences.

Your profile:

• You have a degree (MSc or diploma) in the field of bioprocess engineering / bioprocess engineering or arelated field.
• You have basic practical knowledge of applied microbiology and fermentation technology.
• You have at least theoretical knowledge of process scaling.
• You enjoy interdisciplinary projects and have good teamwork and communication skills.
• You are able to communicate well verbally and in writing in German and English.

We offer:

The Bio Pilot Plant researches, develops, and supports the creation of new active substances and microbiological products for diverse applications. Leibniz-HKI is located in the “Science City” of Jena on the Beutenberg Campus.

• A dynamic, innovative, interdisciplinary, diverse, and highly motivated research group
• An outstanding scientific environment at the Beutenberg Campus with state-of-the-art research facilities and an integrative network of life science and technical institutes
• Excellent technical equipment and a wide range of cutting-edge methods
• Close cooperation and professional co-supervision by the cooperating colleagues
• Registration as a graduate student at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and benefits from the extended graduate training of the Jena Graduate Academy and the Jena School of Microbial Communication

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increasing the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.

Contact details:

Dr.-Ing. Lars Regestein | +49 3641 532-1279

Applications:

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law, will receive consideration for employment.

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter with motivation, CV, previous work, contact details of references, certificates) via the Leibniz-HKI online application system.