The Division of Systems Biophysics of Microbial Dynamics at the Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences seeks to fill the following position:
Doctoral researcher (m/f/d/x) in microbial systems biophysics
Job vacancy from 25.09.2026 · Reference number 127/2026
Remuneration
Salary group 13 TV-L
Term
initially for 1 year*
Volume
50 % of a full-time position
Start date
as soon as possible
* Fixed-term position in accordance with the training plan, initially for 1 year; an extension of the fixed-term contract is planned
Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Germany’s largest universities and a leader in research and medical training. With around 30,000 students and more than 5000 members of staff across 14 faculties, it is at the heart of the vibrant and outward-looking city of Leipzig. Leipzig University offers an innovative and international working environment as well as an exciting range of career opportunities in research, teaching, knowledge and technology transfer, infrastructure and administration.
The newly formed Division of Systems Biophysics of Microbial Dynamics, led by Professor Katja Taute, is part of the Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, which hosts a broad range of biophysics research. Active matter, including bacterial systems, is a growing key research area at the Institute. Our research group develops and uses biophysical methods, including high-throughput, 3D bacterial tracking and microfluidics, in combination with theory and simulations, to quantitatively analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of bacteria at the level of individuals and populations. One research focus is the chemotactic navigation of bacteria in mechanically complex environments. In nature, swimming bacteria navigate relative to chemical stimuli in environments ranging from open waters to soil and the gut.
The new doctoral researcher is to investigate how the gut bacterium E. coli navigates mechanically complex environments that mimic properties of its natural habitat. Properties of both the bacteria and the environment will be modulated in a controlled fashion to identify the underlying physical mechanisms and address the following questions:
- What is the relationship between behavioural and material parameters that enable optimal navigation?
- Is optimal intracellular information processing specific to the type of environment?
- How do bacteria navigate mechanical gradients?
The role
- Independent, original, experimental scientific research on the above project
- Additional scientific qualification (preparing a doctoral thesis)
- Thorough documentation of research
- Publication of research results, for example at conferences, workshops, or in scientific articles
- Contributions to the Institute’s teaching responsibilities
About you
- An excellent scientific university degree (master of science or comparable) in (bio-)physics, (bio-)engineering or a related field
- Very good command of at least one programming language (Matlab or Python preferred) and of quantitative scientific data analysis
- A track record of academic excellence (e.g. very good grades in the course of study, research or study scholarships and prizes, scientific publications)
- Written and spoken professional fluency in English (at least equivalent to level B2)
- Excellent written communication skills, demonstrated through coherent, structured and precise writing
- Experience with microscopy and scientific image processing would be an advantage
- Interest in quantitative experimental interdisciplinary science
- Collaborative mindset and teamwork skills
What we offer you
- a varied role with a high degree of responsibility in the dynamic environment of a major university
- a professional English-language work environment at the leading edge of interdisciplinary science
- Collaboration in a friendly, supportive and motivated team
- flexible working hours and mobile working to support work-life balance
- Goal-oriented staff development throughout your working life, with opportunities for continuing professional development
- a wide range of occupational health management services
- Remuneration in line with the collective bargaining agreement of the federal states (TV-L), including an annual special payment and occupational pension scheme
- excellent transport links and the option to purchase a discounted public transport ticket, such as the Deutschlandticket as a commuter pass
- a wide range of food options in the refectories and cafés operated by Studentenwerk Leipzig.
Leipzig University aims to increase the proportion of women in positions of responsibility and therefore expressly invites qualified women to apply. Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers at: schwerbehindertenvertretung@uni-leipzig.de.
