Job description:

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: "Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 3.3 Geomikrobiologie, we are seeking a highly motivated student for a Reference Number 11014

Soil samples from landslides in New Zealand were analysed, and microbial enrichment cultures were established. In this project, metagenomic data from these enrichment cultures will be processed and analysed using bioinformatic tools. The aim is to generate MAGs (Metagenome Assembled Genomes) and to comprehensively characterise them, including detailed taxonomic classification and analysis of the functional potential of predicted genes.

Your responsibilities:

• Working with Next-Generation-Sequening (NGS) Data
• Processing and analysis of metagenomic data
• Working independently with different bioinformatic tools
• Visualisation of the results
• Validation of scientific questions for the processed data set

Your qualifications:

• A running master's study in bioinformatics or a related field
• Interest in working with NGS data
• Interest in the application of bioinformatic tools in the field of metagenomics and working with complex microbial communities
• Motivation to work on complex data

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible
Working hours: to be agreed
Place of work: Potsdam Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 1st March 2026 . Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, certificates/grades, and certificate of matriculationPlease use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

"Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Alexander Bartholomäus either via email or phone +49 331 6264-28959. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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.