Postdoc in "Decoding cellular signaling in Photosymbiosis" (m/f/d/x)

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Postdoc in "Decoding cellular signaling in Photosymbiosis" (m/f/d/x) BackgroundPhotosymbioses between heterotrophic host and phototrophic endosymbionts have played central roles in the radiation of complex life and are critical to global nutrient cycles. Yet, global change is pushing these symbioses and the ecosystems they support to the brink of ecological collapse.

Join us to unravel the fundamental mechanisms underlying the establishment, maintenance, and breakdown of photosymbioses.

We are seeking a curiosity-driven postdoctoral researcher to join the newly established Photosymbiosis Focus Group at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB). You will combine state-of-the-art OMICS approaches, cell biology, and advanced imaging to dissect the cellular signaling and regulatory networks that control photosymbiosis between cnidarian hosts and their microalgal symbionts.

The Project - PhagoPhoRe
This position is embedded in the ERC-funded project PhagoPhoRe, which aims to decode the cellular and molecular language of photosymbiotic interactions. By focusing on the interplay of symbiotic nutrient cycling and host phagosome maturation, PhagoPhoRe aims to unravel:

• How host cells recognize beneficial algal symbionts
• How mutualistic metabolic interactions are (de)stabilized
• How algal symbionts evade host immune responses

By combining transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, advanced imaging, and physiological assays across, we aim to elucidate the fundamental processes underlying the evolutionary success and ongoing ecological collapse of photosymbioses. To achieve this, PhagoPhoRe builds on a large network of collaborators across the HIFMB, Germany, France, Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Your TasksAs a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central intellectual role in shaping experiments, generating and analyzing high-dimensional data, and integrating single-cell insights with complementary datasets produced within the project.

You will:

• Design and execute single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomic experiments
• Integrate transcriptomic data with imaging and physiological datasets
• Contribute actively to conceptual development and manuscript writing
• Mentor students and engage in collaborative lab projects
• Present your work at international conferences

This is a position is ideal for someone who wants ownership, visibility, and scientific freedom.
Your Profile

• PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, marine biology, or a related field
• Strong skills in R and/or Python and custom data analysis workflows
• Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2)
• A collaborative mindset

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Hands-on experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics
• Experience with tissue dissociation, FACS, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy
• Interest in host–microbe interactions and symbiosis

We are looking for curiosity-driven candidates interested in combining laboratory and bioinformatic workflows.
Further InformationThe AWI is characterized byThe AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success - excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.
AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.