Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – “Geomicrobiology/Microbial Ecology” Full-time NEW

Doctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – “Geomicrobiology/Microbial Ecology”

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 3.3 Geomicrobiology (department “Geochemistry”), we are looking for a:

The position is part of the Biochar-Now research project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. In order to keep the rise in global warming below 2ºC (Paris Agreement), it has become clear that the mere reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient and that CO2 drawdown from the atmosphere will be essential. One technological solution is the pyrolytic fixation of photosynthetically generated biomass to biochar. Biochar products are mainly used as an agricultural enhancer, whereas the coal itself remains inert and leads to long-term storage of CO2-derived carbon in soils. To significantly increase the extent of CO2 drawdown with the biochar technique, we will explore the potential and the environmental risks of biochar, generated from various organic-rich municipal waste streams, such as sewage sludge, particle board wood remains, other waste wood, compost sieve overflow etc. In addition to the production of biochar, the research will focus in particular on the release of organic pollutants and heavy metals from the coal.

Your responsibilities:

• Development and optimisation of methods for the extraction of DNA and RNA from biochar samples and leachates
• Molecular characterisation of biochar microbiomes using high-throughput sequencing approaches (e.g., 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing)
• Bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of microbial diversity and functional data
• Planning, conducting, and evaluating incubation experiments to investigate microbially driven biochar degradation and contaminant release
• Analysis of microbial community dynamics, biofilm formation, and microbial metabolic processes associated with biochar
• Integration of molecular biological, geochemical, and spectroscopic datasets to assess the stability and environmental impacts of biochar
• Presentation and publication of research findings at scientific conferences and in international peer-reviewed journals

About you:

Essential Qualifications:

• Above-average university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biogeosciences, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
• Practical experience with molecular biology techniques, particularly DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and ideally high-throughput sequencing methods
• Basic skills in bioinformatics and the analysis of sequencing data (e.g., using R, Python, or relevant bioinformatics pipelines)
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of microbiology, geochemistry, and environmental sciences
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner, combined with strong teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of microbial ecosystems; experience in environmental microbiology
• Experience in the design and implementation of laboratory and/or incubation experiments
• Knowledge of German
• Category B driving licence

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art research equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: 3 years

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 (75%) according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 31st August 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents:

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Writing sample
• Grades, transcripts and certificates for your master's degree in a single document – if not available, a confirmation from your institution on the completed degree by the application deadline

Important Technical Note: Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures, which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.