The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, offers the position of a

Research Associate / PhD candidate (m / f / d)

Molecular Microbiome Analysis

The position is part-time (65%) and initially limited to 3 years. The salary level will be TV-L 13. The starting date envisioned is as soon as possible.

The position is offered in the framework of the Leibniz Cooperative Excellence project “Trends in hidden taxa and habitats - understanding the extent and impact of the biodiversity crisis (TrenDiv)”. Aim of this project is to describe recent trends (25-45 years) of invertebrate biodiversity changes in German soils, marine and freshwater sediments, flying insects, as well as their microbiomes. We specifically focus on underexplored, yet functionally important branches of the tree of life. To face these challenges, an interdisciplinary group of scientists will work together in the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Senckenberg am Meer - the German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research, and the Leibniz Institute for Analysis of Biodiversity Change.

Combining ancient DNA approaches with state-of-the-art molecular diversity analysis, the successful PhD candidate will apply and refine molecular methods to resolve changes in the composition and function of microbiomes that occurred during the invertebrate biodiversity changes of the past. In addition, the interrelation between animal microbiomes and the composition of the free-living microbial communities in the surrounding environment will be elucidated. Optimized, minimally invasive methods for the extraction of nucleic acids, high throughput sequencing methods and - where needed - multiple displacement amplification will be used to analyze museum specimens and environmental materials. Metagenomic sequencing will serve to extend the analysis beyond taxonomic composition towards functional genes and hence the functional potential of the microbiomes. This work will provide entirely novel insights into an almost entirely neglected aspect of the current biodiversity changes. The work will also include field work jointly conducted with our project partners.

What you offer :

• Master's level university degree in the life sciences, or related
• Strong interest in environmental microbiology and interdisciplinary work
• Team spirit and cooperative work style
• Experience with microbiological and molecular biological methods will be a plus
• A good command of English
• Willingness to travel (field campaigns, project meetings, conferences)

What we offer :