Job description:At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences 1 – Biotechnology (IBG-1), we perform research in the field of molecular and applied microbiology. You will work in the IBG-1 department of Microbial Catalysis led by Prof. Nick Wierckx in the research area of “Systemic Microbiology”. We aim to engineer microbes for the conversion of renewable substrates to valuable chemicals. Topics include the microbial degradation of plastics, the bacterial production of bio-aromatics, and the yeast-based conversion of sugar-rich industrial waste streams to value-added chemicals. More information is available on our website: www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-1/EN/Research/SystemicMicrobiology/catalysis/catalysis_research.html

Your Job:

You will develop and characterize microbial production strains with enhanced properties, such as growth on plastics, production of novel compounds, or enhanced secretion of natural products. In addition, you will cultivate and analyze these strains in state-of-the-art devices. Your methodical focus will be on microbiology, genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and fermentation. Your tasks in detail:

• •  Cultivation and analysis of Pseudomonas, Ustilago, or thermophilic bacteria
  •  Isolation of microbes from enrichment cultures and characterization of their metabolic pathways
  •  Design and implementation of synthetic metabolic pathways
  •  Knockout and overexpression of genes
  •  Rational strain design based on literature data and biochemical research
  •  Participation in conferences in Germany and abroad (incl. presenting your research results)
  •  Exchange with internal and external project partners from academia and industry
  •  Preparing scientific publications and project reports
  •  Mentoring students

Your Profile:

• •  Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemical engineering, or comparable disciplines
  •  Experience in microbiology and biotechnology
  •  Expertise in genetic and metabolic engineering
  •  Knowledge on the metabolism of microorganisms
  •  A passion for science and a high degree of commitment
  •  Reliable and conscientious style of working
  •  Ability to cooperate and to work in a team
  •  Fluent command of written and spoken English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• •  Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure with low teaching load – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree
  •  An international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
  •  Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings
  •  Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: www.fz-juelich.de/judocs
  •  Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

Several positions are available covering different sub-sets of the abovementioned disciplines. The positions are initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). The doctoral degrees are conferred by the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_DocsForschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.