PhD Student (w_m_d) - Area "Geomicrobiology/Microbial Ecology (Geoscientist)"

The GFZ is the national center for Earth research in Germany. We promote the understanding of dynamic processes to tackle global challenges - from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards to preserving our environment in times of global change to the responsible handling of natural resources. We are a member of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organization. With around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Area Earth and Environment and combine cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international cooperation. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies on Earth systems and utilizes advanced technologies and infrastructures to explore solutions and bring our knowledge to society. We do this in line with our vision: "At the pulse of the Earth, to preserve it as a life-friendly planet."

In Section 3.3 Geomicrobiology (https://www.gfz.de/sektion/geomikrobiologie/ueberblick) (Department "Geochemistry" (https://www.gfz.de/departments/geochemie)) the following position is to be filled:

PhD Student (w_m_d) - "Geomicrobiology/Microbial Ecology"

Reference number 11387

The position is part of the research project "Biochar-Now" (https://www.gfz.de/sektion/organische-und-erdoberflaechengeochemie/projekte/biochar-now), which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Spaceflight. To keep the increase in global warming below 2 °C (Paris Agreement), in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, additional removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is necessary. One technological solution is the pyrolytic fixation of photosynthetically produced biomass into biochar. Biochar products are mainly used as agricultural soil improvers, while the charcoal itself remains inert and leads to long-term storage of CO2 in the soil. To significantly increase the potential extent of CO2 reduction with biochar technology, we will investigate the potential and environmental risks of biochar produced from various organic-rich municipal waste streams such as sewage sludge, particleboard wood residues, waste wood, etc., as part of the Biochar-Now project. In addition to the production of biochar, the release of organic pollutants and heavy metals from the charcoal will be a particular focus of the investigations.

Your task:

• Development and optimization of methods for the extraction of DNA and RNA from biochar samples and eluates
• Molecular biological characterization of biochar microbiomes using high-throughput sequencing (e.g., 16S-/18S-rRNA gene analyses and shotgun sequencing)
• Bioinformatic evaluation and interpretation of microbial diversity and function data
• Planning, implementation, and evaluation of incubation experiments to investigate microbially driven biochar aging and pollutant release
• Analysis of microbial community dynamics, biofilm formation, and microbial metabolic processes on biochar
• Integration of molecular biological, geochemical, and spectroscopic datasets to assess the stability and environmental impact of biochar
• Presentation and publication of research results at scientific conferences and in international specialist journals

Your profile:

Required qualifications:

• Above-average completed university degree (M.Sc. or comparable) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biogeosciences, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field
• Practical experience in molecular biological methods, especially DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and ideally high-throughput sequencing
• Basic knowledge in bioinformatics and the analysis of sequencing data (e.g., R, Python, or corresponding software pipelines)
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of Microbiology, Geochemistry, and Environmental Sciences
• Independent, structured way of working as well as strong teamwork and communication skills
• Very good English skills, both written and spoken

Desirable qualifications:

• Knowledge of microbial ecosystems; experience in the field of environmental microbiology
• Experience in the planning and implementation of laboratory and/or incubation experiments
• German language skills
• Driver's license (class not specified)

Start date: as soon as possible

Duration: 3 years

Remuneration: The position is rated according to TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) with pay group 13 (75%). Classification is based on the collective agreement provisions and the corresponding personal requirements.

Location: Potsdam

We offer you:

• Challenging and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art research equipment
• Additional benefits of the public service
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career counseling through our Career Center
• Flexible working hours and workplace design
• Support for better work-life balance through benefit@work
• An on-site company daycare center on the research campus
• A workplace in the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Potsdam Telegrafenberg
• A workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main station or just a short ride away by shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

Then we look forward to receiving your meaningful application by 31.08.2026. Please use only our online application form for this purpose.

Required documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Writing sample
• Grades, transcripts, and certificates of your Master's studies in a single document – if these are not available, a confirmation from your university of the completion of studies by the application deadline

Important technical note: Currently, there may occasionally be delays or restrictions in the sending or delivery of messages for email addresses from, e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.de. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., telephone number).

GFZ actively promotes diversity and expressly welcomes applications from all qualified persons, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical characteristics. We promote an inclusive work environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Persons with recognized severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification, in accordance with the provisions of the Social Code Book IX. For questions regarding gender equality, please feel free to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer (https://www.gfz.de/karriere/das-gfz-als-arbeitgeber/arbeitnehmervertretungen).

"Diversity in perspectives" is one of the core values of GFZ. As an integral part of supporting diversity in our center, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions, including through our equality plan and the measures of the cascade model (https://www.gfz.de/karriere/das-gfz-als-arbeitgeber/chancengleichheit), to enable sustainable equal opportunities in scientific career paths. GFZ is thus committed to the equality of women and men in science, including in leadership positions, and expressly encourages women to apply.

Data protection notices for applicants (https://www.gfz.de/karriere/stellenangebote#c95430)

For further information on the area of responsibility, Susanne Liebner (susanne.liebner@gfz.de) is available via email (susanne.liebner[at]gfz.de). For general questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruiting team at the telephone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.