Postdoctoral Scholar in Microbiome Research (f/m/x)

The post holder will become part of a dynamic international team from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam, Germany and Aarhus University in Denmark, who together investigate microbial processes on the Greenland Ice Sheet in the framework of the ERC Synergy grant "Deep Purple". 

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist who wants to develop her/his/their skills in a complementary research environment, where different disciplines work closely together to obtain a holistic understanding of cryogenic algae-mineral interactions in snow and ice environments.

The main aim of the postdoctoral research will be to assess the changes in microbial diversity and function in cryophillic algae dominated habitats on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The focal point will be on seasonal field samples and their analyses using various 'omic' approaches with a special focus on eukaryotes. This work will be complemented by analyses of experimentally stressed field and culture systems. This way we hope to derive changes in functionality and pathways of gene expression related to the development of algal blooms during melting in the summer and re-freezing at the end of the season.

She/he/they will join the multidisciplinary, international and diverse Interface Geochemistry team of researchers led by Liane G. Benning, who is very committed to fostering a fully inclusive research environment. Non-discrimination and equal treatment are integral parts of our group policy. The appointed postdoctoral fellow will also spend up to several months in the Cryo-Microbiology group at Aarhus University and in other specialized laboratories in the world. Fieldwork, including camping on the Greenland Ice Sheet under harsh conditions is an integral part of the project.

Your responsibilities:

• conduct original research related to molecular-microbiological processes shaping microbial communities in cryophilic terrestrial environments
• elucidate phenotypic characteristics, substrate utilization patterns, and stress-encoding gene expression of cryophile algae from field and laboratory culture systems
• develop and apply bioinformatic methods for eukaryotic analyses of complex sequencing data 
• publish in international peer-reviewed journals; present research results at scientific meetings
• lead and/or considerably contribute to writing of proposals for third-party funding
• help co-supervise Masters and PhD students

Your qualifications:

• MSc and above-average PhD in molecular microbiology, geobiology, biochemistry or equivalent showing evidence of a strong and ambitious research-oriented profile and documented research productivity
• specialized knowledge of and practical experience in sequencing and bioinformatics of complex natural and cultured eukaryotic dominated samples
• experience in experimental manipulations of analogue laboratory cultures for stress response analyses
• 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 bio(geo)chemistry
• 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