About us

In the Benthic Microbiology Group, we study the ecology, physiology and biogeochemical impact of microorganisms in marine environments. To investigate diversity, interactions and metabolic capacities of marine bacteria and archaea, we combine molecular-biological methods, next-generation sequencing technics and bioinformatic tools with classical and novel cultivation approaches. (please visit https://uol.de/icbm/bemic ) The research unit DynaDeep is a collaborative project investigating the hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes in subterranean estuaries, i.e. the connective zones between land and sea. In Phase 2, the role of reactive zones (‘hot spots’), events (‘hot moments’), and compounds (‘hot stuff’) for the overall turnover of the biogeochemical reactor will be addressed at our central field site on the island Spiekeroog in Germany. The transferability and generalizability of our findings will further be challenged by conducting research at additional beaches in Belgium and France and with different global model approaches. With this interdisciplinary strategy, DynaDeep will elucidate the global relevance of the dynamic deep subsurface of high-energy beaches for carbon, nutrient and trace element cycling. For more information, see also uol.de/en/icbm/dynadeep .

Your tasks

The PhD candidate will be involved in all sampling campaigns to perform amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in pore water and sediment samples. Additionally, the impact of autotrophic processes on the overall C-cyle will be investigated by labeling experiments in sediment slurries. A special focus in our sub-project will be on the ecology and physiology of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), which have already been found in high relative abundance in the first phase of DynaDeep. Next to metagenomic approaches, we aim to culture and characterize archaeal ammonium oxidizers from Spiekeroog beach to identify distinct physiological capacities enabling AOA to sustain significant populations in these deep sediments with changing redox and salt conditions.

Your profile

Requirements:

• University degree (Master) in microbiology with a focus in microbial ecophysiology
• Experience in fieldwork
• Excellent knowledges in the physiology of chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms
• Experiences in molecular microbiological techniques (e.g. cloning, sequencing, qPCR)
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent English skills
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, intrinsic motivation and a strong interest in collaborative research

Desirable:

• Strong background in marine microbiology
• Experiences in organic geochemistry or biogeochemistry
• Experiences in the cultivation of ammonia-oxidizing archaea
• Supervision of students in lab classes

We offer

• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the regulations of the German salary agreement for public service employees (TV-L)
• An interesting position in an international and interdisciplinary research team
• An open, cooperative, family-friendly working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, e.g. within the graduate school OLTECH

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

We are seeking a motivated doctoral researcher within the DFG-funded Research unit DynaDeep "The Dynamic Deep Subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (phase 2, subproject P2.2) starting at the next possible date (earliest November 2025).

Contact

For further questions please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Könneke ( martin.koenneke@uol.de , +49 (0) 441 798 5360).

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 30.09.2025 to

martin.koenneke@uol.de

Application with CV and certificates in a single pdf-file with reference "DynaDeep-P2.2” to Prof. Dr. Martin Könneke.