Research Associate for the Project “MOMOBIO-2: Molecular monitoring of bacterial biodiversity in the water cycle” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Research Associate for the Project MOMOBIO-2 : Molecular monitoring of bacterial biodiversity in the water cycle 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology

Salary level

Start date as soon as possible, fixed until 31.05.2027 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG ).

Application deadline 04.07.2024

Scope of work full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

General information on the MOMOBIO-2 collaborative research project (BMBF funding line BioDivGesundheit2) :

The increasing release of antibiotics, biocides, toxins, plasticizers and microplastics has a direct and indirect impact on microbial diversity and, through selection, promotes the spread of bacterial resistance mechanisms causing a high risk for human and animal health.

In addition, climate change and other man-made factors increase and speed up these effects. The MOMOBIO-2 project will develop very detailed mainly omic-based data sets and models to track, monitor and predict the urban microbiota and changes in its biodiversity and resistance profile along the wastewater streams of the City of Hamburg as well as urban water bodies.

Our main goal is to use changes in microbial biodiversity as an indirect measure for animal and human health.

Specific information on the scheduled research work :

The postdoctoral researcher will be a member of the lab of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Universität Hamburg. The successful candidate will perform extensive metagenome analyses and will also contribute significantly to the ecological modeling approach developed by MOMOBIO-2 research consortium members.

Part of the work will be the establishment of new cultivation assays for microorganisms isolated from environmental samples which will also include handling of pathogenic bacteria species.

Furthermore, the development of cloning and expression strategies of genes coding for antibiotics resistance or for microplastic degradation pathways as part of the work duties including assays for the characterization of identified enzymes.

Research work is done in collaboration with the MOMOBIO-2 project partners in Hamburg.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

A university degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Life Science or related field plus doctorate is essential. Successfully completed studies in the field of microbiology, molecular biology or a comparable degree program with a focus on bacterial genetics, metagenomics, protein biochemistry.

PhD in the field of microbial metagenomics or other omics analyses, molecular microbiology or environmental microbiology is desirable.

Further knowledge on cultivation and handling of bacteria, standard techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology, and first work experience in confocal laser-scanning microscopy is required.

Additional bioinformatic skills would be favorable. In addition, theoretical knowledge and work experience in bacterial genetics and omics methods are required.

Work experience in scientific project management is desirable. Team spirit, excellent oral and written English skills are necessary.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us.

Our guiding principle Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world.

We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.