The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology is a research institute of the Max Planck Society. It was founded in 1992 in the State of Bremen and employs around 200 staff members. In close collaboration with numerous university and non-university research institutions, we explore the diversity and function of microorganisms in the ocean and their interactions with their environment. Scientists from all over the world, engineers, technicians and administrative staff together make an important contribution to global marine and environmental research.
In the HGF-MPG Joint Research Group for Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology we are searching for a
PhD Student
Background
The polar oceans are changing, with impacts on the entire ecosystem − from sea-ice and seawater to the deep sea. Microbial communities are key elements of ecosystem functioning, driving biogeochemical processes and biological interactions − yet little is known about their structure and function in polar oceans, and how their dynamics scale with environmental and spatiotemporal gradients.
This PhD project
Functional diversity and connectivity of microbiomes in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans over space and time
addresses the diversity, function and activity of microbial communities in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans across seasonal and environmental gradients. Key points are the ecological and biogeochemical roles of microbes for the biological carbon pump across sea-ice, oceanographic, and primary productivity regimes. To achieve these objectives, the candidate will analyze metabarcoding and meta’omic datasets, as well as study bacterial model isolates. The work includes bioinformatic analyses of sequence data in the environmental context, bacterial cultivation, and ecological statistics. Within an interdisciplinary framework, the project will determine key microbial populations and functions in the seasonal biological carbon pump, from both sea-ice and pelagic realms. Specifically, the project investigates (1) microbiome dynamics, trophic interactions and associated carbon fluxes over seasons and years, based on autonomous sampling; (2) microbial activities in different Arctic water masses, and (3) genomic and physiological adaptations of environmentally relevant model strains. Fostered by the cooperation with national and international research groups, the project contributes towards a mechanistic understanding of how microbial dynamics shape ecosystem functioning and cryobenthopelagic coupling in the polar oceans.

What we are looking for?

• This interdisciplinary project seeks highly motivated candidates with a background and strong interest in the dynamics and functions of microbial life across environmental and temporal gradients.
• Master’s level degree (e.g. MSc) in microbiology, biological oceanography, marine biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or a related field. If the degree has not been awarded yet, please provide a letter from your supervisor stating when the degree will be awarded.
• Experience in handling molecular sequencing data, bioinformatics and/or ecological statistics
• Strong teamwork skills for working in an interdisciplinary team
• Willingness to participate in field research at sea
• Applicants should be fluent in English, have excellent scientific writing skills and should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team

Please refer the Job description for details