The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany, invites applications for a PhD position in the Microbial Physiology Group. Research in our group is dedicated to discover new biochemical reactions, and to fundamentally understand microbial physiology and interactions of microorganisms in key elemental cycles.

Research project

• Research topic: Discovery and physiological characterization of new microorganisms involved in methane and nitrous oxide cycling
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) are two major contributors to global warming. The production and release of these gases to the environment is constrained by the activity of microorganisms. However, in many ecosystems the key players and their physiological properties remain unknown.
• The PhD position offered here will focus on the microorganisms involved in methane oxidation and nitrous oxide turnover.
• The PhD candidate will employ a wide array of complementary methods to identify and cultivate new microorganisms and characterize their physiological properties and interactions. The project will involve field work/sea-going experiments.

PhD position

• The applicant should hold a Master of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related area.
• This position is a part of the GREENT ERC Starting Grant awarded to Dr. Boran Kartal.
• The position is offered for 3 years, and the salary will be according to the German system for public employees.
• The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology is an equal opportunity employer.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more people with disabilities, and also seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are currently underrepresented.  We therefore particularly encourage applications from these groups.

To apply

• Please send a CV and a brief statement of interest (max. 250 words).
• The complete application must be e-mailed as a single pdf file to bewerb-biogeo@mpi-bremen.de.
• Applications are accepted until 15 September 2017.
• The starting date is as soon as possible.
• For further information please contact Dr. Boran Kartal (bkartal@mpi-bremen.de) or Dr. Bram Vekeman (bvekeman@mpi-bremen.de).