Job Advertisement
HKI-15/2026

At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), we investigate the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Full-time position for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension

We are looking for a creative individual who, with great enthusiasm, will prepare and communicate our research results and other science-related activities of the Leibniz-HKI – including, in particular, the international funding initiative INCATE (incate.net/) – in a way tailored to specific target audiences. You should have an affinity for science and a particular interest in the life sciences. In addition, you should have strong communication and organizational skills, an interest in event management, and enjoy collaborating with external partners from the creative industries. You will be part of the Science Communication working group, which is integrated into the Research Coordination (leibniz-hki.de/de/forschungskoordination.html) team.

INCATE, the Incubator for Antimicrobial Therapies in Europe, is a European partnership (nature.com/articles/d41573-022-00138-7) that brings together stakeholders from research, industry, and investors to drive innovation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a focus on new therapies. INCATE was founded in 2021 by Leibniz-HKI, the Swiss research network NCCR AntiResist, the University of Basel, and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and is supported by leading pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to help research and startup teams equip their technologies and projects with the necessary development expertise and advance their development for investors or collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Your scope of work includes the following tasks for the Leibniz-HKI with a focus on INCATE:

• Writing accessible texts, particularly news and press releases, for an interested, non-specialist audience
• Supporting the planning and implementation of public relations activities, particularly for online presence (websites and social media), print media, radio, and television
• Media relations: distributing press releases, maintaining and strategically expanding press and media contacts, as well as compiling and analyzing media coverage, with a focus on the project INCATE
• Participating in the conception, design, and production of communication materials (including flyers, posters, annual and business reports, brochures, workshop materials, roll-ups, and digital formats), ensuring a consistent and appealing visual identity
• Organization and communication support for online and in-person events, including training sessions, as well as coordination of participation in conferences
• Development of graphics and PowerPoint presentations to visualize research projects and results
• Relaunch of incate.net/, ongoing updating and maintenance of Leibniz-HKI websites, and creation of content for partner websites
• Editorial management and further development of the Leibniz-HKI and INCATE social media channels LinkedIn and Bluesky, including the creation of text and image content
• Collaborating with external partners in the creative industries (graphic designers, web programmers, photographers, filmmakers, printing companies)
• Maintenance and target-group-specific use of communication and distribution databases
• Drafting and distributing the monthly INCATE newsletter and the INCATE annual report

You play a key role in conveying research findings and activities, as well as their applications for human health, to a professional audience and the interested public. With a high degree of personal responsibility and creativity, you ensure appealing design and target-group-specific communication. Through strong networking activities, you take on an active mediating role between the involved stakeholders. You respond flexibly and appropriately to the challenges posed by the dynamic research environment. You enjoy writing knowledge-based texts and have excellent command of both German and English. With fresh ideas, your work reflects the high level of dynamism and interdisciplinarity in the life and natural sciences, pharmacy, and medicine.

• A successfully completed degree, preferably in media or communication studies, journalism, or public relations, with a bachelor’s degree or higher; a degree in the natural sciences is also welcome if you have proven skills in science communication and event management
• Interest in and willingness to familiarize yourself with the research topics and structure of the Leibniz-HKI and INCATE
• Enjoyment of diverse, creative work in a scientific research institution
• Strong initiative, a sense of responsibility, a "hands-on” mentality, and a desire to shape the future in line with the Leibniz-HKI’s self-image and research profile
• High degree of creativity in the development and implementation of communication strategies that meet scientific standards and active leadership in collaboration with external partners
• An inclusive, team-oriented personality with excellent communication skills
• Adherence to deadlines, organizational skills, and a high degree of project-related flexibility
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and English

Desired skills:

• A keen sense of visual communication, ideally complemented by experience in photography and image editing
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Adobe Express

• Integration into a highly motivated team at an internationally renowned research institute
• A diverse, complex research environment with an open work atmosphere, modern equipment, and strong interdisciplinary networking
• Close collaboration with Friedrich Schiller University and non-university research institutions
• Support for professional and interdisciplinary continuing education and training as well as certification
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly work environment
• Compensation is based on the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector of the German states (TV-L), including 30 days of vacation and flexible working hours (flexitime)

This is a full-time on-site position, but part-time employment is generally possible. If appropriate applications are received, we will assess whether part-time requests can be accommodated within the scope of operational possibilities (particularly job requirements and desired work schedule).

The Leibniz-HKI is an employer committed to equal opportunity and diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace. It strives to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups when qualifications are equal. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/beliefs, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.

Please submit your complete application materials (cover letter, resume, previous work, letters of recommendation, employment references) via the Leibniz-HKI application system. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Further information:

Dr. Michael Ramm | +49 3641 532-1011

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 | 07745 Jena