Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Gut Microbiome Host Interactions

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology

Research area:

The gut microbiome plays a central role in maintaining human health by modulating immune responses, metabolizing nutrients, and influencing disease risk. Disruptions in the microbiome-host interface have been linked to a wide range of disorders, from metabolic and inflammatory diseases to drug efficacy and toxicity. In this position, the postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing advanced in vitro host models – particularly organ-on-chip systems – to investigate the mechanistic interactions between gut microbes and the host. The candidate will be expected to design and apply microphysiological systems that allow co-culture of human cells and microbial communities under physiologically relevant conditions. These models will be used to study microbial responses to various xenobiotics, including nutrients and dietary components, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants, with the goal of better understanding how the microbiota contributes to host health and disease.

We are seeking applications from highly committed and enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to start in December 2025.

Candidate’s profile:

• Doctoral degree in bioengineering, microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, immunology, or a related discipline; candidates about to obtain their degree are welcome to apply
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, including handling of primary cells, differentiation of iPSCs or similar stem cell-derived models
• Familiarity with microfluidic systems and organ-on-chip technologies, or relevant expertise in tissue engineering or advanced 3D in vitro modeling; candidates without direct experience in organ-on-chip systems should demonstrate a strong capacity and motivation to acquire these skills
• Experience with host-microbe interactions, including knowledge of microbial physiology and mammalian cell biology
• Experience in metabolomics and fluorescence microscopy is an advantage
• Ability to perform team-oriented and independent work
• Willingness to take responsibility in the lab and to supervise students
• Very good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

We offer:

The successful candidate will be hosted in the Department of Deep Microbiome Metabolomics. We offer an interdisciplinary scientific project, in an environment with excellent technical capacities and a strong collaborative network. The Leibniz-HKI is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the Beutenberg Campus providing state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

Further information:

Prof. Dr. Sarela Garcia-Santamarina | career@leibniz-hki.de

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.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, a certificate of study / transcript of records, and the addresses of two possible referees and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is October 5, 2025, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.