Finde einen Job 
Finde eine Ausbildung 
Top Arbeitgeber 
Top Universitäten 
Für Unternehmen Auf einen Blick
- Aufgaben: Join our team to explore microbial interactions and their impact on soil ecology through innovative research.
- Arbeitgeber: The UFZ is a leading environmental research center in Germany, dedicated to sustainable resource management.
- Mitarbeitervorteile: Enjoy flexible work hours, excellent supervision, and access to cutting-edge facilities and international networks.
- Warum dieser Job: This PhD opportunity offers hands-on experience in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment with global impact.
- Gewünschte Qualifikationen: A Master's degree in ecology or related field, strong English skills, and a passion for teamwork and research.
- Andere Informationen: Diversity is valued here; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Das voraussichtliche Gehalt liegt zwischen 45000 - 63000 € pro Jahr.
PhD Position (m/f/x) in Microbial Ecology
Place of Work
Leipzig
Working Time
65% – The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract Limitations
Limited contract for 36 months.
Salary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.
Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Stephanie Jurburg, stephanie.jurburg(at)ufz.de
Prof. Antonis Chatzinotas, antonis.chatzinotas(at)ufz.de
Your Application
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo , age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
The UFZ
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
A PhD position (f/m/x) in Microbial Ecology is available in the Microbial Interaction Ecology Group of the Department of Applied Microbial Ecology at the UFZ. This PhD position (f/m/x) is part of the DFG funded priority programme SPP 2322 ‘‘SoilSystems: Systems ecology of soils – energy discharge modulated by microbiome and boundary conditions” ( and will study the contribution of soil protists to carbon cycling in soil across boundary conditions, both as predators and as protistan necromass.
This project will establish a set of soil microcosm experiments to track the fate of microbial necromass in soils and its uptake by microbial communities using stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP). It will also investigate the role of protists in structuring microbial communities by sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes in field and mesocosm experiments. Additional analyses of isotope ratios and energy fluxes will be carried out in collaboration with project partners.
The Microbial Interaction Ecology group ( is an international, interdisciplinary group that studies how interactions among microbes shape the assembly and functioning of microbial communities.
As part of the UFZ, the PhD student (f/m/x) will obtain professional and interdisciplinary training through our graduate school HIGRADE, and have access to cutting-edge molecular facilities. As part of the SPP2322, the PhD student (f/m/x) will develop a broad network and attend project meetings, as well as international conferences.
Responsibilities
- DNA extraction, quantification, and PCR
- Bioinformatics processing of amplicon sequences
- Soil sampling and soil analyses
- Statistical analyses
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present results at conferences and meetings
- Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team of UFZ and SPP researchers.
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
- Master’s degree in ecology, microbial ecology, or a related field.
- Be passionate about ecology and self-motivated
- Have excellent English language skills
- Be comfortable programming in R
- Enjoy working in a team
- Enjoy both fieldwork and coding
- Experience with fieldwork, lab work, and/or ecological modelling
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PhD Position (m/f/x) in Microbial Ecology Arbeitgeber: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Kontaktperson:
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ HR Team
StudySmarter Bewerbungstipps 🤫
So bekommst du den Job: PhD Position (m/f/x) in Microbial Ecology
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest research in microbial ecology, especially related to soil systems and protists. This will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former PhD students from the UFZ or similar institutions. They can provide valuable insights into the application process and what to expect during your PhD journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your programming skills in R during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've used R in your previous work or studies, as this is a key requirement for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any experience you have with interdisciplinary projects or teamwork in your discussions. The role emphasizes collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work well in diverse teams will be beneficial.
Diese Fähigkeiten machen dich zur top Bewerber*in für die Stelle: PhD Position (m/f/x) in Microbial Ecology
Tipps für deine Bewerbung 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description to understand the specific skills and qualifications required for the PhD position in Microbial Ecology. Highlight your relevant experience in ecology, microbial ecology, or related fields.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Emphasize your passion for ecology, your programming skills in R, and your experience with fieldwork and lab work.
Prepare Your CV: Create an updated CV that focuses on your academic background, relevant research experience, and any publications. Remember to omit personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status as specified in the application instructions.
Submit via Online Portal: Make sure to submit your application through the specified online portal. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is complete before hitting the submit button.
Wie du dich auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch bei Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ vorbereitest
✨Show Your Passion for Ecology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for microbial ecology during the interview. Share specific experiences or projects that ignited your interest in this field, as it will demonstrate your genuine commitment to the subject.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Discuss your experience with DNA extraction, statistical analyses, and programming in R. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous research or projects, as they are crucial for the PhD position.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you successfully worked in a multidisciplinary team. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different perspectives within a group.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Current Research
Research the latest findings in microbial ecology and the specific focus of the SPP 2322 program. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in the field will show your dedication and readiness to contribute to ongoing research.
