Research Assistant/ PostDoc (m/f/d)

Division 4.2 - Material-Microbiome Interactions

To strengthen our team in the division 4.2 “Material-Microbiome Interactions” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

Research Assistant/ PostDoc (m/f/d) in the field of microbial ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or equivalent

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 months
Full-time / suitable as part-time employment

The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is a materials research organization in Germany. Our mission is to ensure safety in technology and chemistry. We perform research and testing in materials science, materials engineering and chemistry to improve the safety of products and processes. At BAM we do research that matters. Our work covers a broad array of topics in the focus areas of energy, infrastructure, environment, materials, and analytical sciences.

The advertised position is part of the newly established division 4.2 Material-Microbiome Interactions, which focusses on the biological aspects of material research.
Plastic particles in the environment are colonized by diverse microbial communities (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-marine-010419-010633). So far, little is known about the energy metabolism processes of the colonizing microorganisms on these artificial surfaces. The task of this position is to investigate the energy metabolism processes of plastic colonizing microorganisms using microbiological, molecular biological, and bioinformatic methods. One focus will be on processes of aerobic, anoxygenic photosynthesis. Bacterial cultures from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch are already available. First results show that new species with interesting traits can be found here.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

• Microbiological and molecular biological laboratory work
• Cultivation and characterization of isolates
• Bioinformatic and statistical analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Organizing, performing, and evaluating laboratory experiments
• Supervision of students
• Regular publication in scientific journals
• Presentation at conferences

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed scientific university studies in a biological field with a very good doctorate in microbial ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or equivalent
• Extensive experience with laboratory work in the microbiological and molecular biology fields
• Extensive experience with bioinformatics and statistical analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Proven ability to publish in the relevant research area
• Experience with the cultivation of prokaryotes desirable
• Experience in independent organization of laboratory experiments desirable
• Knowledge in the field of microbial biofilms and/or phototrophic microorganisms desirable
• Experience in supervising junior scientists desirable
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate as well as conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• Interdisciplinary research at the interface of politics, economics and society
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutes and industrial companies
• Outstanding facilities and infrastructure
• Flexible working hours and mobile working

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 29.09.2023. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 213/23-4.2 to:

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
Referat Z.3 - Personal
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
GERMANY
www.bam.de

Ms Dr. Sonja Oberbeckmann will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1420 and/or by email to Sonja.Oberbeckmann@bam.de.

BAM pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. We therefore particularly welcome applications from women. In addition, BAM supports the integration of severely disabled persons and therefore especially welcomes their applications. With regard to the fulfilment of the job advertisement requirements, the application documents are examined individually. Recognised severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable.

The advertised position requires a low level of physical aptitude.