PhD Position in Biological Physics and Systems Biology

Explore antibiotic resistance evolution in microbial systems through interdisciplinary experiments and computational modeling.

Best for:Best for candidates with a Master’s in evolutionary biology, microbiology, or biological physics, passionate about interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology and physics.

University of Cologne · Cologne, Germany · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at University of Cologne

antibiotic resistance evolutionmicrobial systems biologyimmune system interactionsgenome barcoding assaysnext-generation sequencingtheoretical modeling of resistance

Deadline

Oct 26, 2026

11 days

Funding

Salaried

Remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector pay scale

Start date

immediately

Part-time

Location

Cologne

Germany

Overview

This PhD position at the University of Cologne focuses on investigating the evolution of antibiotic resistance in microbial systems, particularly *E. coli* interacting with host immune cells. The project is part of Collaborative Research Center 1310, combining molecular biology, microbiology, and physics to study resistance mechanisms and immune system interactions. The successful candidate will conduct evolution experiments, analyze bacterial populations using genome barcoding and next-generation sequencing, and develop theoretical models in collaboration with theorists. The position is ideal for applicants with a strong background in biological physics, microbiology, or related fields, seeking to contribute to interdisciplinary research.

PhD in biological physicsantibiotic resistanceE. coli evolution experimentsmicrobial systems biologynext-generation sequencinginterdisciplinary researchCollaborative Research Center 1310genome barcoding

What you'll do

Conduct evolution experiments using *E. coli* lab strains and clinical isolates infecting host immune cells, particularly macrophages.
Analyze evolving bacterial populations with genome barcoding assays and next-generation sequencing techniques.
Characterize molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance and the role of immune system pressure.
Collaborate with theorists to develop theoretical models of resistance evolution.
Perform interdisciplinary research combining molecular biology, microbiology, and physics.

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s degree in evolutionary biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biological physics, or a related field

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English (proficiency required for research communication)

Instruction: English

Required skills

Strong interest in interdisciplinary research between physics and biology
Basic knowledge of mammalian cell culture or microbiology techniques (advantageous but not essential)
Strong communication skills
High motivation and independence in research

Nice to have

Prior experience with mammalian cell cultureFamiliarity with microbiology techniquesProgramming skillsExperience with theoretical modeling

Eligibility

No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
No age or prior experience caps specified

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

Remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector pay scale

Duration

Fixed-term until 31 December 2029

Programme

Collaborative Research Center 1310 (Predictability in Evolution)

University of Cologne

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-26 (Europe/Berlin)

Apply online via the University of Cologne job portal with proof of qualifications. Include a CV and other relevant documents. The reference number for this position is Wiss2609-05. Applications without a photo are preferred.

Documents required