PhD position – Applied Environmental Microbiology

• Handling research projects in the field of biological wastewater treatment with the aim of characterizing the microbial community
• Participation in interdisciplinary research projects in the field of biological wastewater treatment, water reuse or method development 
• Supporting the laboratory in sample preparation and method development
• Assistance in the preparation of research proposals 
• Supervision of student projects and participation in teaching

They have

• University degree (M.Sc. or Dipl.-Ing. or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering with a focus on (applied) environmental microbiology
• Teamwork skills, independent working style and high motivation to solve scientific challenges in the field of environmental microbiology and bioprocess engineering 
• In-depth knowledge of handling pure cultures and microbiological methods 
• Sound knowledge of molecular biological methods for microbial community analysis (including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, sequencing)
• Willingness to delve deeply into techniques of genetic or functional characterization (e.g., genotyping of pure cultures, detection of functional genes)
• Solid knowledge of bioinformatics for data analysis 
• Knowledge of biofilm processes, especially structure, layer formation and EPS matrix, is advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Personally, you are characterized by:

• A high degree of interdisciplinary thinking and openness to collaboration on engineering issues
• Cooperation and teamwork skills
• Analytical thinking 

The Technical University of Darmstadt offers diverse and challenging tasks, independent work, current technologies, good collegial and cooperative collaboration, needs-based training opportunities and individual personnel development.

We offer you the opportunity to prepare for a doctorate. The employment relationship also serves as academic training.

• Development and design – a comprehensive internal training program as well as opportunities for further qualification and development
• Vacation/Educational Leave – 30 days of vacation per year (for full-time employees) and 5 days of educational leave
• Sustainable and mobile – free travel entitlement in all regional transport in Hesse through the Hesse State Ticket according to the applicable fare regulations, as well as mobile working.
• Fit and healthy – free medical check-ups and a wide range of discounted sports activities
• Work-life balance – flexible working hours; company health management
• Old-age provision – supplementary pension scheme for public service employees (VBL) according to the applicable regulations
• Company bike/bike leasing
• Family-friendliness/Reconciliation of family/care/work – childcare services and payment of a child allowance (according to collective bargaining agreements), holiday programs

The Technical University of Darmstadt aims to increase the proportion of women on its staff and therefore particularly encourages women to apply. Applicants with a disability rating of at least 50% or those with equivalent status will be given preference if equally qualified. Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process. You can find our privacy policy on our website.

For any questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Lackner at +49 6151 16 20309.