Wheat Microbiome, Scientist at ZALF, 36 months, Germany

We are seeking for our research group Microbial Biogeochemistry of the Research Area Landscape Functioning at ZALF a part time position (65%) for 36 months at our location in Müncheberg as a Doctoral Researcher or Scientist (36 months) (M/W/D)

The announced position is part of the project NMicro that deals with the N-converting rhizosphere microbiome of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in agricultural ecosystems. It will be central to the project to resolve how wheat shape key functions of the microbial nitrogen conversion, also with focus on spatial distribution patterns. Key methods will be metagenomics, and –transcriptomics, ArcGIS, and cultivation and characterization of N-converting microorganisms. The retrieved microbiome data should be up scaled by combination with remote sensing data.

Your tasks:

  • Application of molecular methods (qPCR; Metagenomics and –transcriptomics; Bioinformatics)
  • Use of multivariate statistics & application of geo statistics within a network of ZALF Research Groups
  • Project related field a. lab work, incl. management & coordination of field experiments
  • Writing of scientific publications
  • Presentation of results on national & international conferences

Your qualifications:

  • Degree or a soon degree as a Master of Science in a microbiological, plant, agricultural o. geoscience study program
  • Excellent communication skills (incl. English)
  • A large interest in science
  • A high capability in self-management
  • Very good teaming skills
  • Willingness to travel and to learn new methods
  • Driving license

Advantageous:

  • Practical experiences with qPCR, Bioanalyzer, DNA/RNA extraction from soil and plants with subsequent fingerprinting techniques (TRFLP) and sequencing,metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, multivariate and geo statistics
  • Knowledge in editing metagenome data with bioinformatics

We offer:

  • Membership in a team with young and experienced scientists and technicians
  • The opportunity to achieve a doctoral degree at the Life Science Faculty of the Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Membership in the ZALF-Graduate School with many courses and networking opportunities
  • An interdisciplinary and international working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
  • Classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) EG13 (including special annual payment)
  • A collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
  • Advanced training in new techniques and methods
  • Family-orientated work

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favored. Please send your application preferably by e-mail (one single PDF file, max. 5 MB) with the usual documents, in particular CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 84-2018 until February 15, 2019 to: Bewerbungen@zalf.de.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Steffen Kolb, EMail: kolb@zalf.de

Application deadline:
Start date: Flexible
Location: Berlin, Germany