Doctoral researcher: microbiologist

In the Benthic Microbiology Group, we study the ecology, physiology and biogeochemical impact of microorganisms in marine environments. To investigate diversity, interactions and metabolic capacities of marine bacteria and archaea, we combine molecular-biological methods, next-generation sequencing technics and bioinformatic tools with classical and novel cultivation approaches. (please visit https://uole.de/icbm/bemic)

The research unit DynaDeep is a collaborative project investigating the hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes in subterranean estuaries, i.e. the connective zones between land and sea. In Phase 2, the role of reactive zones (‘hot spots’), events (‘hot moments’), and compounds (‘hot stuff’) for the overall turnover of the biogeochemical reactor will be addressed at our central field site on the island Spiekeroog in Germany. The transferability and generalizability of our findings will further be challenged by conducting research at additional beaches in Belgium and France and with different global model approaches. With this interdisciplinary strategy, DynaDeep will elucidate the global relevance of the dynamic deep subsurface of high-energy beaches for carbon, nutrient and trace element cycling. For more information, see also https://uole.de/en/icbm/dynadeep.

The successful candidate will be involved in all sampling campaigns to perform amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and gene transcripts on all samples taken. Additionally, physiological characteristics of the communities will be investigated by using substrate spectrum tests and enzyme activity measurements. Furthermore, metagenomes will be obtained from selected samples in order to detect common features in functional diversity. For validating the findings of aforementioned experiments, comparisons will be made with material from beaches in France (Truc Vert) and Belgium (De Panne). In a combined approach together with the second doctoral researcher in our subproject (P5.2), the candidate will perform co-cultivation experiments on isolates from the first phase of DynaDeep and selected porewaters to enrich members of so-far uncultivated Nanoarchaea.

We are seeking a motivated doctoral researcher within the DFG-funded Research Unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (phase 2, subproject P5.1) starting at the next possible date (earliest 10/2025).

For further questions please contact PD Dr. Bert Engelen ([email protected]), +49 (0) 441 798 5376).