To strengthen our team in the division 4.1 “Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms” at The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) in Berlin-Steglitz, starting at the earliest 1.05.2026 , we are looking for a Master student.
Mycobacteria differ from other rod-shaped bacteria by elongating at the poles and dividing asymmetrically, thereby increasing population heterogeneity. Their thick, hydrophobic cell envelope facilitates adaptation to environmental and host-derived stresses, as well as to many inhibitors, including antimycobacterial drugs. With the rising incidence of infections caused by both pathogenic and environmental mycobacteria, understanding interactions between biocides and antimycobacterial drugs is of growing importance. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used biocides in medical and industrial settings. This project aims to characterize the population-level response of mycobacteria to QACs and to determine whether these compounds modulate the activity of other biocides and antimycobacterial drugs.
Your tasks include:
- Killing dynamics of QACs against mycobacteria
- Effect of pre-exposure of mycobacteria with sub-inhibitory QACs concentrations on action of other mycobacteria-targeting disinfectants and antibiotics
- Changes in biofilm formation in response to QACs exposure
Your qualifications:
- Graduation as a Bachelor in the fields of microbiology, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology or similar
- Commenced into master studies with the focus on microbiology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, ecology or similar
- Experience in work with microorganisms is advantageous
- Proficiency in English
Your application:
We welcome applications via email to Dr. Frank Schreiber incl. a brief motivation letter, CV and academic transcripts (incl. grades). Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1414 and/or by email to Frank.Schreiber@bam.de.