Core Facility Manager (m/f/x) Next Generation Sequencing

Leibniz-Institut für Alternsforschung - Fritz-Lipmann-Institut e. V. (FLI)

The Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI conducts internationally recognized, high-impact research on the biology of aging at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Scientists from around 40 countries investigate the mechanisms of aging to uncover its root causes and pave the way for strategies that promote healthy aging (www.leibniz-fli.de).

The Core Facilities and Core Services of the FLI support scientists with state-of-the-art technology platforms and methodology to carry out their research in a timely and efficient way. For our Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing we are looking for an outstanding and highly qualified Postdoc as Core Facility Manager (m/f/d) who is able to create and design projects, support scientists, conduct research projects, and lead the facility staff. Focus of the Core Facility:
The Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing provides a platform for the identification and quantification of genetic and epigenetic changes and activities. We are equipped with state-of-the-art sequencing devices for bulk and single cell applications (Illumina, Nanopore, 10x Genomics). Our aim is also to conduct research projects in the field of genomics.

Your tasks:

• Managing and strategically developing the Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing, including leadership and supervision of the team
• Conducting research projects and independently acquiring third-party funding
• Supporting users in design of sequencing projects
• Overseeing the implementation of sequencing projects (sample QC, library preparation, sequencing, raw data QC)
• Supporting data analysis by contributing technical sequencing detail towards bioinformaticians
• Establishing, maintaining, and regularly update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Organizing the administrative financial aspects of sequencing projects
• Contribute to the development of novel sample preparation strategies and the establishment of state-of-the-art analysis pipelines

Your qualifications:

• PhD in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline; several years of relevant experience (ideally three years) in using and maintaining high-end Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms
• Excellent expertise in next generation sequencing workflows and solid knowledge of bioinformatics
• Comprehensive experience in library preparation (e.g., RNA-Seq, 5mC / 5hmC-Seq, DNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, CUT&RUN / CUT&Tag, 16S)
• Experience in automated sample preparation, as well as project management skills to organize multiple parallel projects
• Practical knowledge and hands-on experience in molecular biology laboratory work
• Leadership skills and proven experience in staff management, combined with strong team-working abilities
• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English

We Offer:

• You will become part of a world-leading research institute dedicated to the biology of aging and have the opportunity to develop own scientific projects
• Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research in Jena, Thuringia
• A position integrated in the FLI Postdoc Circle, a network connecting FLI postdocs and supporting career development and postdoctoral training
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labor agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (E 14 TV-L)
• Flexible working time, a family friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management, including support for child care solutions, and dual career options

Application:
Please apply online through the FLI application portal by October 5, 2025.

FLI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.