Postdoc position in microbial OMICS and pollution (fixed-term for 33 months) Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany

The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) is offering a postdoctoral position in microbial OMICS and pollution for 33 months, based in the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology within the MIBI group led by Hans-Peter Grossart at Lake Stechlin, Germany.

The project uses metagenomics and related molecular approaches to study microbial colonization and the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes between prokaryotes and microeukaryotes, including fungi and protists, in the context of aquatic pollution such as microplastics. The position is embedded in the multidisciplinary EU–India project HARMONY, which focuses on joint development, field validation, data sharing, policy alignment, and capacity building. The broader project links scientific research with stakeholder engagement, co-creation workshops, policy dialogues, and sustainable evidence-based governance.

The successful candidate will work on planktonic and benthic microorganisms from laboratory experiments and field sampling in India, combining molecular and microbiological methods with bioinformatic and statistical analysis. Tasks include building pipelines for functional OMICS analyses, genome annotation, relating environmental variables to microbial dynamics, and contributing to scientific publications, project management, and communication activities.

Eligibility and profile: applicants should hold a PhD in biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related area. Strong experience in molecular biology is required, especially in DNA metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. The post also requires bioinformatics and statistical skills, experience in data analysis and scientific publication, good English communication, and the ability to work in a team. Programming and network analysis experience are considered advantageous, as is a driver’s licence.

Funding and employment: the post is a full-time temporary appointment within the HARMONY project and is paid according to the German public service scientist scale at 100% E13 TVöD Bund. Part-time work is also possible. The IGB also highlights training opportunities, flexible working hours, and mobile working, within an international and diverse research environment.

Application: candidates should apply exclusively via the IGB recruitment platform. The application must include a cover letter describing motivation and fit for the postdoc role, a CV, and contact information for 2–3 references, all in a single PDF. Please quote job reference 13/2026. The deadline is 15 September 2026, or until suitable candidates are found.

Questions can be directed to Hans-Peter Grossart by email at [email protected].

Institution: Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Germany.