Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam has developed from a small institution of higher education into one of the leading middle-sized universities in Germany. The University benefits from a close cooperation with the whole range of renowned non-university research institutes in the proximity. The group of Microbiology invites applications of talented candidates to apply for the following position
Doctoral Student (w/m/d) Harnessing spatial metabolomic patterns to exploit cyanobacteria as productive biofilms
for three years initially (starting date 01.07.2025). The project is part of the DFG priority program SPP 2494 “Productive Biofilm Systems”. Filamentous cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc have many properties that are particularly favorable for development as productive biofilm systems. The photoautotrophs have very good passive immobilization capabilities and have been shown to form high-density biofilms. Both the multicellularity and the proven phenotypic plasticity can be used for an efficient spatial division of labor. Nostoc monocultures and mixed cultures can be genetically manipulated and have already been used for high-titer production of the heterologous compounds. In the project, we would like to develop Nostoc as a sustainable biofilm platform for the production of fine chemicals, guided by spatial metabolomic analysis and explore the mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity of Nostoc.
a Master (or equivalent) in microbiology, biotechnology or molecular biology, preferably with experience and interest in one or more of the following: physiology of microorganisms, white or green biotechnology, chemical analytics
Candidates about to earn their Master degree are welcome to apply.
desirable methodological skills: molecular biology techniques, chemical analytics, enzymology
High motivation, creativity and a cooperative personality
PhD position for three years according to German public service pay scale
Mentoring for young researchers
Working in a young team of motivated scientists
Living in the exciting urban area of Berlin-Potsdam