Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d): The role of humic acids on microbiome assembly and plant health under conditions of climate change

The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy is a pioneer and a driver of bioeconomy research. We create the scientific foundation to transform agricultural, food, industrial and energy systems into a comprehensive bio-based circular economy. We develop and integrate techniques, processes and management strategies, effectively converging technologies to intelligently crosslink highly diverse bioeconomic production systems and to control them in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner. We conduct research in dialogue with society - knowledge-motivated and application-inspired.

For the project “Rette einen Baum in Sanssouci (Save a tree in Sanssouci)”, funded by the MWFK, we are looking for a

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d): The role of humic acids on microbiome assembly and plant health under conditions of climate change

Trees are one of the most important carbon sequester; however, they are threatened by climate change. The aim of this project is to find innovative solutions to mitigate the negative effects caused by climate change. The objectives are i) to disentangle the impact of (natural and artificial) humic acid amendment on plants and soil microbiomes as well as on plant health, and ii) to design microbiome-based probiotics that support and restore tree health. The experimental design will comprise microcosm and warming experiments as well as field studies in nurseries and park Sanssouci with oaks as model trees in Potsdam, Germany.

Within the scope of the subproject “The role of humic acids on microbiome assembly and plant health under conditions of climate change”, headed by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Berg, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Markus Antonietti, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, we are looking for a researcher (m/f/d) with an interest in interdisciplinary work, breakthrough technologies, microbiome methods and in doing a PhD!

Your responsibilities

• Conducting project experiments in vitro and in situ
• Microbiological assays including cultivation of microorganisms and performing plant growth promoting experiments
• Microbiome analyses of plant and soil samples and bioinformatic assessment of data
• Preparation of scientific publications and presentations (German and English)
• Support of organizational tasks (communication with project partners, planning project meetings and other events)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration inside and outside the ATB
• Participation in the network of the research alliance (meetings, video blog, image film, podcast)

Your qualifications

• Successfully completed university degree (diploma / master / state examination) in the field of biology, biotechnology, agricultural sciences or similar areas
• Experience in molecular work:  DNA sequencing and bioinformatics data analysis
• Microbiological laboratory experience
• Knowledge of MS Office programs and statistic software
• Very good English knowledge, both written and spoken
• Independent working style, personal commitment, reliability, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate

We offer

• Excellent infrastructure for your scientific work,
• Collaboration in an interdisciplinary project and attractive working environment,
• Possibility to do a doctorate
• Exciting research in highly topical subject areas,
• Family-friendly working conditions that promote the compatibility of work and family.

The part-time position (65%) is to be occupied within the frame of the project duration for a limited period until 31.12.2022. It is planned to apply for funding for the continuation of the doctorate.

The salary is based on your qualification and professional experience according to TV-L up to salary group 13. The position will be occupied under the condition of a project grant from the funding institution.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Gabriele Berg (Tel: 0331/5699-108; E-Mail: gberg(at)atb-potsdam.de ) and visit our website www.atb-potsdam.de.

If you would like to contribute your professional competence to our interdisciplinary research, please apply by the following deadline 23.01.2022 using ATB’s online application form for the job advertisement, code 2021-1-3, at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies . Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered.

Equality of opportunity is part of our personnel policy. Disabled applicants with adequate qualification will be preferentially considered.

By submitting an application, you agree that your job application documents will be stored for a period of six months, even in the case of an unsuccessful application. Further information on the processing, storage and protection of your personal data can be found at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/services/data-protection-declaration-for-the-application-process .