PhD position (m/f/d) Nutrient recycling and microbial communities
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), Division of Biogeochemistry in Coastal Seas, invites applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) with the topic “Nutrient recycling and microbial communities in the Elbe Estuary”. The position is limited to three years, starting as soon as possible. The place of employment is Geesthacht.
Estuaries are active biogeochemical reactors, but are exposed to multiple stressors. In the BMBF-funded project “Blue_Estuaries”, the effects of these stressors are investigated from the basis to the top of food webs of two European Estuaries. The focus of the PhD position is set on the analysis of stable nitrogen isotope signatures in the Elbe estuary, their response to nutrient ratios, and on the analysis of the respective microbial community. The project focuses on controlling mechanisms that change the proportion of nutrient recycling processes in the water column and in interaction with sediments.
Your tasks:
- participation in research cruises in the Elbe and Odra estuaries
- stable nitrogen isotope analysis of water and sediment samples, including dissolved organic nitrogen
- performing mesocosm experiments to evaluate shifts in nutrient recycling
- microbial community analyses to track changes to the microbial level
Your profile:
- MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant natural or environmental science discipline (e.g. microbiology, biology, biogeochemistry)
- solid analytical background, preferably with experience in nutrient analyses and marine microbiology
- experience with microbiological techniques
- preparedness, willingness, and physical ability for participation in seagoing research campaigns
- excellent skills in communication (very good English is a must, German is welcome)
Interested candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and willing to work in an interdisciplinary research team.