PhD position (f_m_x) in wetland soil microbial ecology

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For section 3.6 Geomicrobiology (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:

PhD position (f_m_x) in wetland soil microbial ecology

Reference Number 10116

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for the newly established Collaborative Research Centre “WETSCAPES2.0” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). WETSCAPES2.0 focuses on the functional understanding of rewetted fens, including coastal peatlands, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (northeastern Germany). For more details about the overarching research questions, specific topics, training program and contact persons please visit http://www.uni-greifswald.de/wetscapes2.

At the GFZ, we are looking for a doctoral researcher in wetland soil microbial ecology with a particular focus on soil microbial methane uptake. A summary of this project (A5) can be found here.

Your responsibilities:

• Lead molecular microbial profiling and methane oxidation process rate surveys in Wetscapes2.0 Screening Sites through targeted high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics and statistics (based on in-house bioinformatics and technical support)
• Conduct a seasonal survey of active methane oxidizing taxa and their process kinetics using transcriptomics and enzymatic assays
• Establish and characterize anaerobic methane oxidizing enrichments using batch incubations and a high-end in-house chemostat
• Seek potential proxies for soil methane uptake and its resilience in rewetted temperate fens
• Lead the development of a conceptual and/or statistical model of biogeochemical feedback on soil methane uptake in rewetted temperate fens
• Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences and project meetings

Your qualifications:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemistry or related fields
• Practical skills in molecular microbiology (DNA/RNA isolation and downstream analysis)
• Experience in bioinformatics and multivariate statistics
• Strong motivation for wetland soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry research
• Pronounced communication skills and will for interdisciplinary and international teamwork
• Motivation to develop as a researcher
• Ability for critical and independent thinking
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Start date: 1st April 2025
Fixed-term: 31st December 2028
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Teilzeit 65% (derzeit 25,35 h/Woche)
Place of work: Potsdam

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment in microbial ecology and biogeosciences
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
  
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
  

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application (in addition to cover letter and CV, please also provide one or two references and publications if existing or your master thesis) by 16th February 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Liebner either via email or phone at +49 (0)331-6264 288 17. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.