PhD Position in Microbiology and Molecular Biology Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany

At the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, BfR) in Berlin, a three-year doctoral position is available in the Department of Biological Safety within the PERMA project. The role is embedded in the research group Food Microbiology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and the National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC. The position is intended for own scientific qualification and is explicitly linked to doctoral training.

The project investigates the entry, persistence, and environmental stability of zoonotic pathogens from livestock and wildlife in arable soil and their transfer into flour, using Shigatoxin-producing and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli as model organisms. The work combines field sampling, microbiological analysis, molecular characterization, whole-genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and statistical evaluation. Sampling will take place at experimental farms of the Max Rubner Institute and the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, including nationwide sampling activities during the project.

Key tasks include microbiological and molecular analysis of food, animal, and environmental samples under BSL3 conditions, characterization of bacterial strains, PCR and real-time PCR, whole-genome sequencing, data analysis with R or Linux-based tools, participation in project meetings, and dissemination through presentations and open-access publications. The role also involves collaboration with other project partners and administrative support for the project leadership.

The post is funded as a paid position at 65% of the regular working time under pay grade E13 TVöD for three years, subject to funding allocation. The BfR offers a structured doctoral accompanying programme, flexible working arrangements, holiday entitlement, and opportunities for further training. The expected start is immediately, and the application deadline is 2026-09-08.

Applicants should have a completed Master’s, Diplom, or equivalent degree in biology, natural sciences, veterinary medicine, or a comparable discipline. Strong prior experience in microbiology and molecular biology, knowledge of bacterial pathogens, and very good German and English skills are required. A willingness to travel within Germany for sampling and participation in meetings and conferences is also essential.

Applications must be submitted via the BfR job portal. Questions about the application process should be directed to [email protected]. Subject-specific questions can be addressed to Dr. Michaela Projahn and Dr. Matthias Fischer.