Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) in Geomicrobiology

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

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 Geomicrobiology (Department Geochemistry), we are looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher (f_m_x) in Geomicrobiology

Reference Number 11063

Desert Pavements: Interactions with Pedogenic and Microbial Processes (DP) The new project is funded by the DFG and will be done together with the University of Göttingen, where a PhD position will be hosted. Both positions will work closely together, encompassing the fields of Geomicrobiology and Soil Science regarding desert pavement development and stability. Desert pavements cover nearly half of Earth’s arid land surfaces and exert strong control over key geomorphological and ecological processes, including surface runoff, dust trapping, pedogenesis, and the development of subsurface microbial communities. Their clast layer offers microhabitats protected from extreme UV radiation and thermal fluctuations, while dust accumulation beneath the stones triggers a complex cascade of hydrological, pedogenic, and microbial feedbacks. This DFG-funded project investigates how variations in clast density and landscape position (convex vs. concave) affect soil formation processes, microbial community structure and function, aggregate formation, and erosion resistance. The work combines: (i) Pedological and soil-hydrological analyses of systematically selected soil profiles; (ii) high-resolution microbial community analyses (DNA, RNA); and (iii) laboratory soil manipulation experiments comparing microbially mediated vs. abiotic aggregate formation and stability. The overarching goal is to unravel the mechanisms and feedbacks through which desert pavements shape desert ecosystem functioning and landscape evolution. You will become an integral part of the Geomicrobiology Section and closely collaborate with other team members and with colleagues from Göttingen University. We offer a supportive, stimulating, and fully inclusive research environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for professional development. Non-discrimination and equal treatment of all team members is an integral part of our group policy. Your responsibilities:
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the microbiological and molecular components of the project. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting DNA and RNA extractions (incl. eDNA and iDNA separation), amplicon sequencing, metatranscriptomic analyses, and enzymatic activity assays to characterise microbial community diversity, composition, and functional activity in desert pavement soils
• Integrating molecular, pedological, and hydrological datasets to elucidate microbe–soil interactions across environmental gradients
• Performing controlled laboratory simulation experiments to evaluate microbial contributions to soil aggregation and stabilisation
• Performing statistical analysis, exploratory data analysis, and visualisation of microbial and environmental datasets using R and/or Python (e.g., phyloseq, vegan, ggplot2, PICRUSt, FAPROTAX)
• Contributing to the supervision of students, scientific outreach, and dissemination of results
• Preparing high-quality scientific publications in international journals and presenting findings at international conferences

The position offers the opportunity to work closely with an interdisciplinary research team and leading experts in geomicrobiology, soil science, and desert ecology. Your qualifications:
We seek an excellent early-career scientist with a strong background in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and soil microbiology (incl. knowledge in soil analytical approaches). The ideal candidate will bring experience directly aligned with the project’s goals, including:

• A Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a completed PhD in Geomicrobiology
• Demonstrated expertise in arid and semiarid soil ecosystems, microbial community diversity and dynamics, and microbe-driven pedogenesis
• Strong skills in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, amplicon and metagenomic library preparation, and sample processing for next-generation sequencing
• Solid experience with bioinformatics, including statistical analyses in R and/or Python, and workflows for 16S rRNA, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics
• Familiarity with soil physicochemical analyses, enzymatic activity assays, and the integration of multi-proxy datasets
• Experience with laboratory-based simulation experiments (e.g., microcosms and controlled environmental manipulations)
• Experience in team coordination, laboratory management, and mentoring of students
• Ability to work effectively in an international, interdisciplinary research environment
• Strong skills in scientific writing
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Experience with desert ecosystems, or soil micromorphology, is an advantage but not required.

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centr
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• 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