Postdoc (f/m/x) for the analysis of microbial activity in soil-plant systems during antibiotic exposure
The job
The Department of Applied Microbial Ecology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) with a strong interest in plant-soil-microbe interactions. The position is within the Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance group led by Dr. Anja Worrich. The position will investigate how microbial activity in soil-plant systems is affected by exposure to antibiotics by developing and optimizing stable isotope labeling protocols to be used in combination with Raman microscopy, NanoSIMS and proteomics. The position requires a solid background in the application of stable isotope probing in soils (ideally also in plants), mass spectrometry-based proteomics and reliable handling of R. The project will preferably start on 1st July 2024.Place of work
Leipzig, Bad LauchstädtWorking time
100% (39h/week)The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations
limited contract / 2 yearsSalary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Anja Worrich, anja.worrich@ufz.de
The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
The Department of Applied Microbial Ecology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) with a strong interest in plant-soil-microbe interactions. The position is within the Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance group led by Dr. Anja Worrich. The position will investigate how microbial activity in soil-plant systems is affected by exposure to antibiotics by developing and optimizing stable isotope labeling protocols to be used in combination with Raman microscopy, NanoSIMS and proteomics. The position requires a solid background in the application of stable isotope probing in soils (ideally also in plants), mass spectrometry-based proteomics and reliable handling of R. The project will preferably start on 1st July 2024.
Your tasks
- Analyze the impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on bacteria in different compartments of a soil-plant system
- Develop SIP workflows based on deuterium as a general activity marker for microbes
- Perform Raman-DIP and Protein-SIP to analyze activity shifts and identify bacteria responsible for antibiotic degradation
- Co-organize group meetings/retreats and participate in departmental meetings and activities
- Develop ideas for new research projects and contribute to the writing of grant applications
- Co-supervise PhD students and technicians in the working group
- Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions
We offer
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a variety of perspectives
- Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
- Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
- Flexible working hours and a wide range of options for balancing work and care responsibilities through our family office
- Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the 'International Office'
- Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Germany Job Ticket
- A workplace in a vibrant region with a high
life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
- PhD degree in biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, environmental sciences or related fields
- Experience in soil microbiology, microbe-plant interactions and stable isotope labeling
- Experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a plus
- Data analysis with R
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Ability to organize and prioritize work efficiently
- Experience in supervision involving students and/or junior team members
- Microbe-plant interactions
- Antibiotics in soils
- Raman microscopy
- Rhizobox experiments