Postdoc position in microbial OMICS and pollution (fixed-term for 33 months) (m/f/x)

For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology in the MIBI group (HP Grossart) of the IGB at Lake Stechlin, we are looking for a Postdoc (f/m/x) as of 1th of November 2026, for a project using metagenomics to follow microbial colonization and antibiotics gene transmission between prokaryotes and microeukaryotes (fungi & protists) following aquatic pollution such as microplastic.

The work is carried out as part of a multidisciplinary EU-India project HARMONY's which aims for joint development, field validation, data sharing and policy alignment to contribute to the implementation of relevant EU and Indian environmental frameworks, while supporting the Global Efforts to End Plastic Pollution. Scientific advances will be complemented by multi-level stakeholder engagement, including co-creation workshops, policy dialogues, and capacity-building activities, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and fostering sustainable, evidence-based marine governance in both regions. In their own right, plastic pollution and climate change cause devastating impacts on Earth’s ecosystems and present a formidable threat to health, biodiversity and water security.

To reach Harmony’s objectives, we will conduct our research and activities in different socio-ecological settings characterized by distinctive exposure to pollution, climate change impacts, antimicrobial resistance, policy and regulation contexts, and socio-economic level.

Your tasks

• Analysis of planktonic and benthic microorganisms from lab experiments using molecular and microbiological tools
• Field sampling in India
• Bioinformatic and statistical analyses, e.g. genome annotation
• Relate environmental variables to microbial dynamics
• Build pipelines for functional OMICS analyses
• Contributions to the overall scientific activities, publications, management and communication activities of Harmony

Your profile

Mandatory:

• PhD degree in biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or similar
• Excellent knowledge in molecular biology, especially DNA metagenomics and metatranscriptomics
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools
• Experience in data analysis and scientific publication
• Ability to work in a team, good English communication and management skills

Advantageous:

• Programming and network analyses experience
• Driver's licence

Our offer

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We also offer an exciting and versatile job in an international, dynamic, scientific working environment with opportunities for flexible working hours and mobile working. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life .

This is a full-time position limited to 33 months as part of the EU- India project Harmony, which starts on 1st of September and will run for 36 months. Salary is paid according to the German (Scientist) salary scheme for the public service (100% E13 TVöD Bund). However, part time work is also possible.

We welcome every application, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation.

The IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome.

Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Research for the future of our freshwaters is the mission of IGB – Germany's largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V .