To strengthen our team in the division 4.2 “Material-Microbiome Interactions” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a Research Assistant / PostDoc (m/f/d) in the field of microbial ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or equivalent.

The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is a materials research organization in Germany. Our mission is to ensure safety in technology and chemistry. We perform research and testing in materials science, materials engineering and chemistry to improve the safety of products and processes. At BAM we do research that matters. Our work covers a broad array of topics in the focus areas of energy, infrastructure, environment, materials, and analytical sciences.

The advertised position is part of the newly established division 4.2 Material-Microbiome Interactions, which focusses on the biological aspects of material research.

Plastic particles in the environment are colonized by diverse microbial communities (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-marine-010419-010633). So far, little is known about the energy metabolism processes of the colonizing microorganisms on these artificial surfaces. The task of this position is to investigate the energy metabolism processes of plastic colonizing microorganisms using microbiological, molecular biological, and bioinformatic methods. One focus will be on processes of aerobic, anoxygenic photosynthesis. Bacterial cultures from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch are already available. First results show that new species with interesting traits can be found here.

We are looking for talented people to join us.