GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.

For the implementation of the BMWK-funded research project “Microbial Fe corrosion and possible corrosion protection measures in the monopile of offshore wind turbines”, the Department of Geomicrobiology is seeking, subject to approval, a Postdoctoral researcher addressing Biocorrosion starting on August 1st, 2023.

Iron corrosion is a widespread and well-known problem in the maritime industry. It is estimated that corrosion processes cost around US $ 2.5 trillion worldwide. Microbially influenced iron corrosion (MIC) accounts for up to 20% to 40%. MIC is a particular problem in offshore wind energy. The aim of the joint project with industrial participation is to find economic solutions to reduce microbially induced corrosion inside the monopile of offshore wind monopiles and thus extend their lifetime.

In the Geomicrobiology working group, molecular biological investigations as well as incubation experiments, cultivation and rate measurement are carried out.

Job Description

Incubation experiments are to be carried out in close coordination with the materials scientists at the FH Kiel. The structural steel used for the foundation structures (monopile) of the offshore wind turbines as well as various modifications are to be incubated both inside the monopile and in laboratory experiments to investigate the MIC as well as possible corrosion protection measures. The position advertised here will be responsible for microbiological analyses of biofilms in the collaborative project. This will include phylogenetic and EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) analyses. Metagenomic and transcriptomic data will also be collected from selected samples and bioinformatically analyzed. Ultimately, the best possible corrosion protection measures will be developed in collaboration with the material scientists and the industrial partners.

Qualification

Prerequisites for a successful application are a scientific university education (diploma or master) and a PhD in the field of natural sciences/medicine or field conducive to the tasks.
Solid knowledge in molecular biology and cultivation is required. Solid knowledge of German and/or English (oral and written) is essential.

Also desirable are

  • Experience with DNA and RNA extractions
  • Experience with bioinformatic analyses
  • Experience with anaerobic work
  • Expertise in bio-geochemical element cycles
  • Experience with the application of sensors

At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:

  • Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
  • Support services for professional and personal life situations
  • An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
  • Exciting topics in an international environment
  • Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
  • 30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas and New Year’s Eve
  • Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The position is available for a funding period of up to 3 years. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position cannot be split, flexible working time models are generally possible. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 2 Paragraph 1 of The Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (German WissZeitVG).

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply.

GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.

Please send your application for this post not later than June 20th, 2023 under the following link: Online application

As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.

For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Prof. Dr. Mirjam Perner (mperner@geomar.de).

However, we will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung@geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “MiCorFe”.

Further information about this opportunity, click here.