How HKI Attracts Top Life Science Talent

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI) was founded in 1992 and has been a member of the Leibniz Association since 2003. HKI is a life science institute that conducts research on natural products from microorganisms and the infection biology of pathogenic fungi. The microbes they research are an essential part of our daily lives. They offer understanding into the cause of infectious diseases and are a promising source for drug development. HKI conducts research in both of these areas with the aim of contributing to the development of a system of biology of infections.

As a Leibniz Institute, internationalism has long been a part of HKI’s strategy. The institute employs approximately 380 scientists who come from over 30 different countries. To ensure it brings together the best researchers in the fields of natural product research and infection biology, HKI naturally looks internationally to fill its PhD, postdoc, and researcher vacancies. Around a third of its staff come from outside of Germany. HKI has partnered with Academic Positions since 2014 to make sure its job postings reach top international talent. Five years later, Academic Positions continues to provide international exposure for HKI’s vacancies which allows the institute to reach the qualified life sciences candidates it needs to accomplish its research goals.

Photo: Jan-Peter Kasper/FSU