Location: Kiel, Germany
Institution: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Position Type: 3-year Postdoctoral Research Role (m/f/d)
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible
About GEOMAR – A Global Leader in Marine Science
The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is one of the world’s top marine science institutes, jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Schleswig-Holstein. With a mission to protect ocean health, drive marine technology innovations, and transfer scientific knowledge to benefit society and the environment, GEOMAR offers cutting-edge facilities and an inspiring research environment.
About the Role
GEOMAR is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Microbial Natural Product Chemistry to join their internationally recognized research team.
The position focuses on ecology-based marine natural product discovery from cultivable microbiomes of marine organisms.
Key research objectives include:
- Understanding host-microbe interactions by investigating how microbial secondary metabolites influence the fitness of host organisms.
- Discovering new bioactive compounds with potential applications in human medicine, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents.
Research will utilize single-microbe cultivation, co-cultivation, and synthetic microbial community (SynCom) approaches, providing a diverse and innovative toolkit for marine bioprospecting.
Key Responsibilities
- Cultivation and extraction of marine microorganisms.
- Comparative genomics and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis.
- Bioactivity-guided fractionation and purification of compounds.
- Structural elucidation using NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and computational tools.
- Supervising students and maintaining analytical instruments.
- Collaborating on national and EU-funded research projects.
Qualifications
Required:
- PhD in microbial natural product chemistry.
- Expertise in metabolomics and LC-MS/MS dereplication (preferably molecular networking).
- Proven skills in purification using HPLC and other chromatographic methods.
- Advanced knowledge of structure elucidation techniques.
- Strong scientific publication record and conference presentation experience.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Desirable:
- Experience in microbial genomics and biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) analysis.
- Skills in microbiome research and next-generation sequencing.
- Scientific diving certification and a valid driving license.
Why This Position is Unique
This role offers hands-on laboratory research combined with access to exceptional facilities, including:
- UPLC-QTOF-MS, DESI Imaging Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS, FT-IR, and more.
- Large-scale fermentation capabilities (1–300 L).
- Over 75 in vitro biological assays for compound testing.
- Cryo-NMR facilities at Kiel University.
- Strong international collaborations in marine biotechnology and drug discovery.
You will be contributing to the fast-growing blue biotechnology sector, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, sustainable products, and next-generation antibiotics.
Work-Life Balance & Benefits
GEOMAR provides a supportive and flexible work environment, offering:
- Flexible working models and remote work options.
- 30 vacation days plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off.
- Company pension and capital-forming benefits.
- On-site childcare and leisure opportunities in the scenic Kiel Fjord region.
How to Apply
Submit your English-language application via GEOMAR’s online portal by August 15, 2025.
Apply here: GEOMAR Online Application Portal
Contact for queries: Prof. Dr. Deniz Tasdemir – dtasdemir@geomar.de