Master's Thesis in Bioinformatics with a Focus on Metagenomics
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Temporary

Part Time

Apply by: 2026-03-01

Published: 2025-12-19

Potsdam

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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

Master’s Thesis in Bioinformatics with a Focus on Metagenomics

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

Job location

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About the employer

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Potsdam + 6

> 1000 employees

German + 1

Established 1992

12 Jobs

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

The GFZ is Germany’s national center for research on the solid Earth. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges—ranging from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and preserving our environment in times of global change to the responsible management of natural resources. We are a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organization. With approximately 1,200 staff and around 500 visiting researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz research area “Earth and Environment,” combining cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration.

Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies of Earth’s systems and leverages advanced technologies and infrastructures to explore solutions and bring our knowledge into society. We do all this in line with our vision: “In tune with the Earth—to preserve it as a habitable planet.”