Lab technician / Lab manager in microbiome research (f/m/d)

Our group “Physiology and symbiosis” has recently joined the Centre of Organismal Studies – Heidelberg University. We are interested in how animals interact with their microbiomes, the diverse communities of microorganisms that can be either beneficial, or harmful. We combine the powerful genetics of model gut bacteria and Drosophila with multi-omics approaches to understand how symbiosis supports essential aspects of animal physiology. We are also interested in the basic mechanisms that support gut physiology, and how perturbations in these processes contribute to intestinal and systemic diseases.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic technician to join our new lab at COS. If you are eager to learn new skills and work in a dynamic, cutting-edge research environment, we want to hear from you.

Tasks:

- Work with Drosophila (genetic crosses, microdissection, generation of transgenic lines [from transgene design to selecting transformants after injection]). 

- Bacterial engineering (cloning, molecular engineering of expression vectors, targeted mutagenesis in plasmid/chromosomal DNA, random mutagenesis).

- Manipulation of genome-wide mutant bacterial libraries and high-throughput screening.

- Contribution to general laboratory organization, such as: instrument maintenance, lab calendar, ordering, inventory, maintaining stocks and training students. Note that this task will be shared with another technician.

- Onboarding and training of new group members or visitors in technologies and protocols used in the laboratory.

Essential skills required:

- Bachelor’s degree from accredited university or technical school, or Master’s degree in microbiology, life sciences or equivalent.

- Experience in the culture and genetic engineering of microorganisms.

- Very good theoretical knowledge and practical experience of cell and molecular biology methods, biochemistry and (immuno)histochemistry. 

- Ability to speak and write fluently in English, English is the working language of the laboratory. A good command of the German language is also beneficial.

You might also have:

- Experience in -omics (metabolomics, proteomics, Tn-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq).

- Experience in high-throughput workflows (operation of automated liquid handling devices, etc.).

- Experience in cell culture.

- Experience with high resolution imaging of tissues.

The position is remunerated according to TV-L E9b . 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send the following documents: a detailed CV (no photo required) including contact details of two past supervisors, a one-page cover letter, a summary of your research expertise and interests (max. 2 pages), and transcripts of your last degree. Please send these documents in one PDF file by e-mail to Prof. Gilles Storelli: cos@cos.uni-heidelberg.de, by February 1st, 2026.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.