PhD Position in Environmental Biotechnology / Bioprocess Engineering

The Environmental Biotechnology research group at the Geo- and Environmental Center (GUZ) at the University of Tübingen is seeking an excellent Ph.D. candidate for a collaborative research project with BASF SE: 

PhD Position in Environmental Biotechnology / Bioprocess Engineering 
(m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 70%) 

The successful candidate will support our international, interdisciplinary, and dynamic team of environmental/biological engineers, electrochemists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, and molecular biologists.

The research in the Environmental Biotechnology Group focuses on investigating open, synthetic, and pure microbial cultures in engineered systems—the group pioneers sustainable biotechnological production platforms designed for future industrial adoption. In addition, the group studies the storage of renewable electricity using biological power-to-X technology. We apply methods from bioreactor design and operation (lab- and pilot-scale), genetic engineering, electrochemistry, and systems biology to next-generation sequencing and proteomics.

We are offering a Ph.D. position for a motivated and driven PhD candidate (m/f/d) for a 3-year position (70% TV-L E13). The project focuses on biotechnological valorization of C1 compounds into high-value alcohols, with a strong emphasis on bioprocess development and process scale-up. Specifically, the project focuses on the development and optimization of microbial bioprocesses for converting C1 substrates (e.g., CO₂, CO, methanol) into value-added alcohols. This includes design and optimization of bioreactor fermentations, process scale-up from lab to pilot scale, and offers a contribution to pre-industrial solutions within the sustainable circular bioeconomy. The candidate should have the ambition to learn about analytical instruments (GC, HPLC) and have a deep curiosity in sustainable bioproduction in the framework of the circular bioeconomy. The ideal applicant would have a background in microbiology and an understanding of bioreactor operation (i.e., from a master’s program). The requirements include the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team, excellent management and communication skills, and high motivation. The candidates will have the opportunity to present his/her results in international journals and conferences. English is the language of choice for our international group. 

The starting date can be from 01.08.2026, but can also be negotiated. The employment will be arranged by the University of Tübingen (salary TVL E13, 70%, including health insurance, 3 years). Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualifications.

Applications (in English) as a single PDF document, including a cover letter, CV, an overview of techniques and methods used in the past, transcripts, diplomas, and contact addresses for at least 2 referees, should be sent by email to: Christian.fink@uni-tuebingen.de.  Applications will be accepted until 31.05.2026. For questions, please contact christian.fink@uni-tuebingen.de. 

Prof. Dr. Largus (Lars) T. Angenent, Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen.