The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology is a research institute of the Max Planck Society. It was founded in 1992 in the State of Bremen and employs around 200 staff members. In close collaboration with numerous university and non-university research institutions, we explore the diversity and function of microorganisms in the ocean and their interactions with their environment. Scientists from all over the world, engineers, technicians and administrative staff together make an important contribution to global marine and environmental research.

In the Organosulfur Cycling Group we are searching for a PhD Student (f/m/d)

The position is part of the DFG-funded research project OSSY.

Project in the field of organosulfur biochemistry, microbiology and bioinformatics.
The project led by Dr. Eileen Kröber aims to investigate the consumption and cycling of organosulfur compounds in marine chemosynthetic symbioses. Furthermore, we aim to determine whether organosulfur compounds, such as DMSP, DMS, DMSO, and MeSH, are important carbon and sulfur sources for marine chemosynthetic symbioses, and how widespread the cycling of these compounds is in diverse marine chemosynthetic symbioses. To achieve these objectives, the candidate will analyze metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, and metaproteomes of various marine chemosynthetic symbioses. The analysis will also focus on determining whether predicted metabolic pathways for organosulfur compounds are expressed and functional in these symbioses. The candidate will also perform functional enzyme characterization and functional genomics to complement the meta’omics analysis. Overall, the project aims to provide insights into the role of organosulfur compounds in marine chemosynthetic symbioses and how they contribute to the carbon and sulfur cycling.

What we expect from you:

  • A completed Masters degree in biochemistry, microbiology, or related fields
  • Knowledge in the analysis of complex datasets via bioinformatics
  • Skills in functional enzyme characterization and functional genomics (cosmid library preparation) will be highly beneficial
  • Applicants should be fluent in English, have excellent scientific writing skills and should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team

What we offer:

The position is offered as a 3 years full-time appointment. The salary is according to the German system for public employees (E 13 TVöD Bund 65 % ).

The Max Planck Society strives for equality and diversity. We welcome applicants regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disabilities.

Are you interested?

Deadline is June 18, 2023. Applications for this position will only be accepted via our online application portal. For further information please contact Dr.Eillen Kröber (ekroeber@mpi-bremen.de), or follow this link.