We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for microbiology and its application in a technical context. Our research in the Catalytic Biofilms group at the Department of Solar Materials of the UFZ focuses on developing microbial consortia growing as surface attached communities for biological hydrogen production. In PROMICON, we aim to develop a hydrogen producing multi-species biofilm based on phototrophic microorganisms to be operated in an outdoor reactor system. Understanding of technical ecology, basics in biotechnology and bioengineering will be beneficial to reach this aim. Good team spirit and motivation to work in an international team is required, as there will be close collaborations with the other projects in the consortium.

We are seeking an enthusiastic person to fill a PhD position (65% TVöD 13, 3 years). The aim of PROMICON is to learn from nature how microbiomes function through latest and novel methods in order to steer their growth towards production of biopolymers, energy carriers, drop-in feedstocks and antimicrobial molecules.