Postdoctoral Researcher (PostDoc) with Habilitation Goal | Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (PostDoc) mit Zielrichtung Habilitation

Christian-Albrechts- Universität zu Kiel (CAU)

Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland
Published Jan 9, 2026
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

This is a unique opportunity for a highly qualified Postdoctoral Researcher aiming for Habilitation (a post-doctoral degree required for full professorship in Germany) within the Institute of Phytopathology at Kiel University, focusing on Soil-Plant-Microbiome interactions. The role centers on independent, bioinformatics-driven microbiome research, involving the generation, integration, and analysis of complex Multi-Omics datasets related to bacterial and fungal communities in soil and plants. Key responsibilities include developing an independent research profile, contributing to projects on plant-microbe interactions, and fulfilling teaching duties (4 SWS) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Microbiology at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant field, extensive practical experience in genomics, metagenomics, and strong programming skills in Python and/or R, coupled with the ability to teach in both German and English (or the willingness to rapidly acquire German proficiency). This position is ideal for motivated researchers seeking to establish their scientific leadership and achieve the Habilitation qualification.

Required Skills

Education

Completed university degree with a doctorate (PhD / Dr. rer. nat.) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field

Experience

  • Professional experience in genome and comparative genome analysis
  • Professional experience in metagenomics and metatranscriptomics
  • Professional experience in processing and integrating Multi-Omics datasets
  • Experience working with microbiome datasets (e.g., soil, rhizosphere, plant-associated)
  • Experience in academic teaching (4 SWS commitment)

Languages

German (Fluent)English (Fluent)

Additional

  • Goal-orientation towards Habilitation (post-doctoral qualification); Fixed-term contract (initially three years); Ability to teach in German and English (C1 level required for both, or willingness to learn German within a reasonable timeframe)