The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.

We invite applications for a

Prediction of Gene Regulatory Networks Involved in the Differentiation, Secondary Metabolism and Cross Talk of Aspergillus nidulans

The greatest progress in elucidation of the molecular regulation of the biosynthesis of a secondary metabolite has been made in the penicillin-producer A. nidulans, because classical genetic techniques can be applied to this fungus. First gene expression data were published and further data will be available at the HKI soon. These data and the available knowledge shall be used by integrated bioinformatic analysis to mathematically model gene regulatory networks involved in the regulation of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Various methods and bioinformatic tools for prediction of gene regulatory networks are available. Current activities are directed on further developments integrating various information sources, in particular gene expression data, genome sequence and gene functional information. Only few applications are known for fungi. They were not applied for A. nidulans so far. Gene expression data from the literature together with such data from the HKI combined with other available data, in particular genome sequence and gene functional information shall be exploited using bioinformatics algorithms for prediction of TFs and TFBSs applying an advanced version of our NetGenerator algorithm to predict gene regulatory networks in A. nidulans. The work will be performed by a bioinformatics PhD student in strong collaboration with experimentally working colleagues.

We expect:

- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around “Microbial and biomolecular interactions”. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.

- high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS

- an integrative and cooperative personality

- very good communication skills in English

- a top-level research environment

- efficient supervision by a team of two supervisors

- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)

- courses in novel technologies and soft skills

- a highly communicative atmosphere between the involved institutions

- Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

The positions are available starting in January 2009 and for three years. Salary will be according to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

HKI is an equal opportunity employer.

Further information:

PD Dr. Reinhard Guthke,                                   reinhard.guthke@hki-jena.de

Dr. Dorit Schmidt, ILRS Coordinator,            ilrs@hki-jena.de

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de

and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to

ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

To apply:

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de
and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to
ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.