Postdoctoral Researcher position in Aquatic Microbiology

The Aquatic Microbiology working group of Prof. Meckenstock belongs to the field of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology and is part of the Faculty of Chemistry at the UDE.

Occupation date

October 1, 2026

Contract duration

3 years

working hours

100% (39 hours, 50 minutes), part-time employment is possible

Your main responsibilities

• They undertake research tasks in the field of anaerobic degradation of oil components and oil reservoirs.
• They identify processes involved in the anaerobic degradation of oil reservoirs, identify the responsible microorganisms, and characterize the microbial communities. Furthermore, they use and operate the necessary instruments, such as LC/MS and molecular biology equipment.
• Furthermore, you are responsible for the implementation and execution of the microbiology practical course in the Master’s program in Water Science. You are also involved in other teaching and administrative tasks and supervise student theses (BSc, MSc, PhD).

Your profile

• Above-average university degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, water science or equivalent fields of study with a minimum of 8 semesters of standard study time and a doctorate.
• You have solid prior experience in experimental environmental microbiology and molecular analysis of microbial communities. Knowledge of bioinformatic analysis of sequence data is required. Furthermore, you possess sound knowledge of microbiology and microbial metabolism, preferably of anaerobic microorganisms.
• They have solid prior knowledge of chemistry and are open-minded and interested in collaborating with other working groups, e.g., in the field of analytical chemistry.
• They are interested in developing the research field independently and with their own ideas.

She is expecting

• an innovative field of research that offers room for new discoveries and has great relevance in the area of ​​pollutant removal and oil reservoir management.
• Opportunities for individual design and the option for diverse collaboration within and outside the faculty and university.
• a pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team with intensive, regular exchange between employees and with supervisors.
• Family-friendliness through childcare services for their children 
• Advice on family caregiving tasks
• a wide range of training and professional development opportunities, individual onboarding
• Excellent public transport connections and free parking
• attractive sports and health programs (university sports)
• the possibility of working from home

Application deadline

2026-07-03

Identification number

253-26

Application

Please send your application with the usual documents, quoting reference number 253-26, to Prof. Dr. Rainer Meckenstock, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Chemistry, 45117 Essen, Germany, telephone +49 201/183-6602, email agathe.materla@uni-due.de .

Information about the position

Information about the faculty and the hiring office can be found at:

http://www.uni-due.de/umb/mikro_home