Postdoctoral researcher in microbial biogeochemistry

About us

The ICBM is an interdisciplinary research institute for fundamental and applied marine research. The internationally renowned institute aims at understanding the function of marine environmental systems through close cooperation of the various scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, physics, mathematical modelling) of its more than 20 research groups.

The research group for Marine Geochemistry (ICBM-MPI Bridging Group) investigates the biogeochemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Main tools are ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry (Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, FT-ICR-MS), high field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and complementary chemical analytical approaches, combined with multivariate statistics and numerical modelling.

Your tasks

The postdoctoral researcher will study how bacteria evolve to use individual compounds within DOM and themselves transform the molecular composition of DOM in aquatic ecosystems in the framework of the ERC project sEEIngDOM. The project will combine field studies with laboratory experiments to understand the environmental conditions that influence the ecology of molecules. 

Responsibilities of the successful candidate include participation in sampling campaigns and joint laboratory experiments; the processing, analysis, and interpretation of samples for DOM molecular composition; and the design, processing, and analysis of shotgun metagenomics, amplicon, and transcriptomics datasets. 

Your profile

Recruitment requirements:

• A doctoral degree (PhD or Dr. rer. nat.) in environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, biology (ecology and evolution), and related disciplines
• A Master of Science in microbiology
• Very good English language skills (written and spoken, TOEFL level C1 or comparable qualification)
• Experience with geochemical sample processing and analysis, preferably under trace clean conditions
• Experience in DNA/RNA sequencing using both Oxford Nanopore and Illumina platforms
• Experience in flow cytometry for enumeration of microorganisms
• Experience undertaking experimental evolution studies with microorganisms, including culturing bacteria
• Familiarity with ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry and genomics
• Advanced knowledge of bioinformatics and statistics, including programming with R or Matlab

Desirable qualifications:

• Willingness to carry out field work, including under harsh conditions in remote locations
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team, good communication skills
• Familiarity with laboratory experiments combining microorganisms with complex organic matter sources 

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

The position is limited to 14 months. Start: January 1^st, 2025 (or as soon as possible after that).