Job Description

Place of work


Leipzig
Working time


40 hours per month
Contract limitations


limited contract / 3 months
Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:

simon.klaes@ufz.de


Your application


Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your

photo

, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.


Diversity and Inclusion


The UFZ has a strong commitment to

diversity

and actively supports

equal opportunities

for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.


We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.


The UFZ


The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.


The job


The EU-funded RE-ENTRY project focuses on developing energy-efficient wastewater treatment processes that maximize resource recovery. A central component is the reduction of organic load and the production of valuable biogas through mainstream methanogenesis. Yet, the impact of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) commonly found in municipal wastewater on methanogenic microorganisms remains poorly understood.

This thesis project will investigate both the effect and the potential transformation of selected TrOCs by methanogens. Experiments will be carried out in batch experiments cultivating pure cultures and in mixed microbial communities obtained from a wastewater treatment plant. By combining physiological measurements with proteomics-based analyses, this project aims to reveal how methanogens respond to TrOC exposure and whether they can transform or degrade these compounds.


Your tasks


You will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher while maintaining the freedom to develop your own ideas and experimental approaches. Tasks include:



Cultivating methanogenic archaea in pure and mixed cultures with and without exposure to selected trace organic contaminants Assessing microbial activity via methane production and growth via fluorescence microscopy Investigating the fate and potential biodegradation of the contaminants via LC-MS/MS Analyzing the response of methanogens to TrOCs using proteomics Data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results

We offer


Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses

right from the start
Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work

Your profile


Studies in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines Experience in working independently in a laboratory Motivation to work self-responsible, well organized, and to develop own ideas Good English language skills Good communication and team-work skills

Application deadline: 10.12.2025


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