Title of the project: The effects of biofilm formation in gas infrastructure

This particular PhD position aims to understand the impact of archaeal biofilm-formation in renewable gas technology, e.g. biomethanation or hydrogen storage. Here, biofilm formation is either desired (e.g. in methanation plants) or undesired (e.g. in microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC)). MIC already causes massive damages in oil and gas industries today and will further increase with the transition of natural gas storage into hydrogen storage facilities. Besides sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), also archaea (e.g. methanogens) are involved in these corrosive processes.
These processes are still poorly understood and will be studied using archaea from several biotechnologically relevant phyla. The PhD project is aimed at setting up and improving assays to measure biofilm formation in archaea and study the impact of environmental factors or certain materials on biofilm-formation, biofilm stability and metabolic activities.
The relationship of archaeal or interdomain biofilms in gas and hydrogen storage facilities is relevant to protect infrastructure from MIC and ensure high gas quality. Secondments are planned for two academic ARCTECH partners to learn specific technologies required for the project.

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required selection criteria

• Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
• Completed Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an above-average grade for your MSc degree.
• Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in working with anaerobic microorganisms, archaea, high-pressure systems or biofilm assays
• Experience in time management and teamwork
• Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
• Scientific curiosity and passion

Specific Requirements

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date
• you must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Biomedical Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen(https://www.uni-due.de/chemie/organisation_promotionen_en)

Additional Information

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art training within the ARCTECH doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
• Opportunities to collaborate with discipline-specific world-leading researchers
• A mobility allowance to support relocation
• A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)

Eligibility criteria

Microbify is an innovative startup that postulates an open-minded, respectful atmosphere regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality is a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among team members enriches perspectives as well as academic debate and contributes to the quality of our services and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Selection process

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Applications should include:

• Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
• Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant’s motivation to undertake a PhD
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees

Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please upload your application with the documents as listed above, quoting the reference number , by 5pm (CET+1) on 12^th May 2024 via the application form.

Applications submitted by post or to other email addresses will not be considered. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.

Additional comments

The PhD will be located and supervised at Microbify GmbH, Straubing, and be associated with the University of Duisburg-Essen in Essen.
Founded in 2021, Microbify is a biotechnology startup focusing on services around extremophilic microorganisms. One focus expertise lies in the survey of microbes in gas and hydrogen storage facilities. These surveys include the development of high-pressure sampling equipment for such infrastructure, anaerobic cultivation, molecular biology and the detection of microbial metabolites among others. Furthermore, Microbify constantly invests in RnD and develops novel, sophisticated techniques for biotechnological applications.

We offer you a gross salary per month of 2,600 € plus 50 € net in benefits.

The position is limited to a period of 3 years.

Application form ESR 8