PhD position (f_m_x) in Soil Microbiology

at  HelmholtzZentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research 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 3), we are looking for a:
PhD position (fmx) in Soil Microbiology

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Microbial Ecology or related fields
• Strong background in microbiology and molecular biology
• Documented experience with DNA/RNA-based methods in soil ecosystems and possibly flow cytometry
• Basic understanding of geo-bio interactions in soils
• Capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork with excellent communication skills
• Experience with scientific writing
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
  Start date: 1st February 2025
  Fixed-term: 36 Monate
  Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
  Working hours: Part-time 67%
  Place of work: Potsdam

• Conduct innovative laboratory experiments using soil samples from Antarctica for soil simulation experiments to investigate microbial-driven soil formation
• Establish the laboratory experiment to simulate soil formation under global change conditions in Antarctica
• Develop a cell separation technique in soil aggregates based on fluorescence labeling in combination with flow cytometry
• Analyze microbial communities and their function at the soil aggregate scale using multi-‘omics techniques
• Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences