PhD Researcher (f / m / x) - Genetic engineering of productive biofilms

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

• Cultivation of bacterial suspension cultures, including chemo-heterotrophic and photoautotrophic biotechnological workhorses
• Cultivation of mixed-trophic microbial biofilms in reactor environments
• Molecular engineering of bacterial strains to enhance activity and stability
• Live-cell imaging using advanced techniques such as CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy) and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
• Biochemical analyses to monitor expression profiles and productivity

Additional Responsibilities:

• Providing infrastructure support within the lab
• Supervision and mentoring of students
• Active participation in the HIGRADE graduate school, including attending relevant courses
• Publication and presentation of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, internal seminars, and scientific conferences

We offer

• Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
• The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
• The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• First-class 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
• A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
• Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
• A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

Required Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
• Strong background in molecular biology
• Fluent English skills (spoken and written)
• Team-oriented mindset with strong collaborative skills

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with photosynthesis research and optogenetic switches
• Familiarity with advanced molecular engineering techniques
• Prior experience in interdisciplinary or biotechnological research environments