The Institute of Microbiology at the University of Greifswald, Germany, invites applications for a Research Fellow (PhD position, 65% TV-L E13) in Aquatic Microbiology.
Project Background and Research Focus
The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) “CONCENTRATE”. The research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms of marine microbes involved in coastal carbon cycling. The PhD candidate will investigate how marine bacterial communities interact with glycans (complex carbohydrates) in the ocean, and how these microbial processes stabilize organic carbon, contributing to carbon sequestration in marine ecosystems. The project will involve:
- Cultivation and physiological profiling of marine bacteria.
- Molecular biology assays, biochemistry, and biomineralization experiments.
- Bioinformatics analyses of genomic, metagenomic, and transcriptomic datasets.
- Collaborative research within the interdisciplinary CONCENTRATE network.
Position and Benefits
- 3-year doctoral contract (65% TV-L E13 salary scale, with possibility of extension).
- Fully funded research costs and travel funding for conferences and workshops.
- Comprehensive training in microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.
- Based in Greifswald, a historic university town on the Baltic coast with a vibrant scientific community.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related biological science.
- Strong interest in aquatic microbiology, carbon cycling, and molecular ecology.
- Experience in laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, protein purification, cultivation) or bioinformatics (sequence data analysis using R or Python) is a plus.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application (including a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates, and contact details of two academic references) via the University of Greifswald’s online recruitment portal, referencing the specific job vacancy number.