The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is looking for a Research Associate to complement their microbiological and microbe-mineral-interface team in the “Interface-Geochemistry” group led by Liane G. Benning. The holder of this position will primarily address microbiological / biochemical processes in cold settings via experimental approaches but also with the possibility of field work in Polar environments.

Your responsibilities:

• conduct original research on microbial processes that control carbon / nutrient cycling in cold terrestrial environments with focus on microbial processes
• characterize and quantify laboratory (and some field) based cryophile algae-mineral-fluid interface reactions with special applications to stress adaptation of biomolecules in snow and ice microbes
• design and perform stress and adaptation / response experiments with cryophile algae
• assess genomic and biochemical changes using ‘omics’, imaging and / or spectroscopic approaches
• publish in international peer-reviewed journals; present research results at scientific meetings
• lead and/or considerably contribute to writing proposals for third party funding opportunities
• help co-supervise Master and PhD students

Your qualifications: (essential in bold, all other are desirable)

• MSc and PhD in geobiology, molecular microbiology, biogeochemistry, geoecology or equivalent
• specialized knowledge in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics
• experience in experimental manipulations and complex biological and biochemical process analyses (e.g., omics, biological microscopy/ or micro-spectroscopy)
• polar field work is a part of the project, so willingness / experience in outdoor activities is a bonus
• experience in working at the interface between microbiology and geochemistry
• capacity for interdisciplinary and international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• documentable excellent publication and 3rd party funding records
• proficiency in spoken and written English, German is an asset

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please feel free to call Ms Buge at +49 (0) 331-288-28878.