Researcher / Postdoc for molecular investigations on microbial ecology in deep-sea polymetallic n...

Area of research:

Laborkräfte

Job description: Researcher / Postdoc for molecular investigations on microbial ecology in deep-sea polymetallic nodule fields (m/f/d)

Background
While some companies are already working towards an early start of deep-sea mining, there is still an urgent need for research on the associated environmental impacts. In the JPI-Oceans project MiningImpact, the Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology group is carrying out work on the impact of manganese nodule mining on deep-sea benthic communities and their functions. The Research focuses on industrial tests of the manganese nodule collector prototype Patania II in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) in the subtropical Eastern Pacific in 2021. Undisturbed conditions including their spatiotemporal variability (‘baselines’) are compared to ‘post-impact’ investigations, covering a period from days to years after simulated manganese nodule mining.

The focus of the position advertised here in the third phase of the project will be on bacterial and archaeal communities at the bottom of the CCZ. A unique dataset with DNA/RNA sequences (including metabarcodes, metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from sediment, bottom seawater and polymetallic nodules) in combination with data on metabolic rates, and sediment biogeochemistry will form the basis of the work. Further sampling and measurements will take place in the CCZ as part of the project to investigate effects of the collector test on longer time scales. In addition to scientific publications, results will also contribute to project efforts to provide input to knowledge-based regulation of potential future deep-sea mining activities.

Your Tasks
The primary focus will be on benthic microbial communities in manganese nodule ecosystems of the CCZ, combining analyses of taxonomic and functional diversity and integrating them with knowledge on environmental characteristics. In addition to benthic communities, microorganisms in bottom waters, on manganese nodules, and artificial nodules from colonization experiments will be investigated to fully assess environmental impacts and evaluate potential renaturation measures.The work will involve joint analyses within AWI and the larger network of project partners (e.g., on various environmental factors and communities of other size classes). Key tasks will involve:

• Perform bioinformatic analysis of microbial molecular data (metabarcoding, metagenomes, metatranscriptome) and evaluate the results regarding the taxonomic and functional diversity (e.g., community composition and structure, encoded and expressed metabolic pathways) of microbial communities
• Evaluate information collected from molecular data and explore in combination with existing knowledge on environmental conditions using ecological statistics
• Characterize environmental consequences of nodule mining and explore potential impact indicators (e.g., specific microbial taxa and functions) for ecosystem deterioration and – possibly – subsequent recovery
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences
• Contribute to integrated, multidisciplinary analyses in the project consortium and to joint publications and reports
• Join Expedition(s) and perform microbial sampling, laboratory incubations, extractions, and analyses on board and in the shore lab
• Contribute to general project tasks (e.g., annual meetings, participation and organization of workshops, reporting, data management)

Your Profile

• PhD in marine microbial ecology with a focus on molecular ecology or ecological genomics or closely related topics - ideally with a deep-ocean focus
• Professional experience as a Postdoc (at least 2 years) and proven experience in scientific publishing
• Comprehensive knowledge in bioinformatic analysis of taxonomic and functional biodiversity and encoded/expressed metabolic pathways of marine microbial communities (based on metabarcoding, metagenomes, metatranscriptomes)
• Expertise in bioinformatic tools and pipelines for data pre-processing, Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) table generation, gene/genome reconstruction, prediction of phylogenetic domains of DNA sequences and genes, molecular feature classification, and protein clustering based on structure and function. Skills in R, Python, Unix/Linux command-line tools, and workflow automation
• Profound understanding of the relevant metrics and methods to analyze microbial communities and functions and their spatio-temporal patterns in the environmental context (e.g., alpha/beta diversity, differential abundance and gene expression, phylogenetics, comparative/pangenomics, and metabolic pathway reconstruction). In-depth knowledge of public molecular databases for both taxonomic and functional annotation
• Profound knowledge regarding molecular lab work including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and library preparation for NGS
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with project partners. Management of research activities including sharing and joint analysis of results
• Willingness to participate in expeditions and international travel to project meetings and conferences
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of microbial metabolic processes and methods to study them (e.g., tracer-based incubations) and general marine/benthic biogeochemistry
• Interest and intention to acquire and apply machine learning/AI methods for ecological analyses
• Expedition experience

Further Information
The AWI is characterized by

The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success - excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

We strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the advertised position at AWI to reduce the underrepresentation of women.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

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.

Company

The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.

The profile of the Helmholtz Association

The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.

Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.

Promoting young academics

Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.

The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group , for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.

Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .

The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.

All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.

Company info

Telephone

0049-30-206329-0

Location

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany