PhD Position in Regulation and Evolution of Bacterial Multicellularity

Organisation/Company Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover Department Microbiology Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 15 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 May 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The PhD is embedded in a close collaboration between Prof. Dr. Natalia Tschowri (Leibniz Universität Hannover) and Prof. Dr. Daniel Rozen (University Leiden), including research stays at both locations.

Start : as soon as possible| Duration: 36 months

Project focus The goal is to identify key regulatory and signalling components governing developmental transitions in Streptomyces , and to understand their evolutionary and ecological benefits.

Why this project is exciting Streptomyces are among the most prolific natural producers of antibiotics and other bioactive molecules and are key players in soil ecosystems. They undergo a complex developmental life cycle including growth as filamentous networks and formation of unicellular spores, making them a powerful model to study how coordinated, multicellular-like behaviours evolve in bacteria. By dissecting how regulatory and signalling networks control transitions between uni- and multicellular lifestyles, this project addresses a fundamental evolutionary question: how complex, coordinated multicellularity emerges, stabilises, and adapts.

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Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The successful candidate must hold a university science degree (Master of Science (M.Sc.)) or equivalent with a focus on microbiology or evolutionary biology. Further, you have experience in biochemical, molecular, microbiological and evolutionary techniques.

In depth knowledge and experience in biochemical analysis of proteins and genetic manipulation of bacteria are advantageous, as is experience with fluorescence microscopy and bioinformatics. We are looking for highly motivated and team-oriented candidates with a passion for science and excellent written and spoken English communication skills.