Summary
The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate phage-host dynamics in aquatic environments. Vibriosis poses an escalating threat to aquaculture and shellfish populations due to rising seawater temperatures. This research focuses on utilizing lytic bacteriophages as a sustainable alternative to control Vibrio splendidus pathogens in aquaculture systems under climate change scenarios.
PhD Position in “Molecular Microbial Ecology Focusing on Phage-Host Interactions” (AWI) Germany
Designation
- PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher (x/d/f/m)
Key Details Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) |
| Graduate Program | POLMAR Postgraduate Program |
| Salary / Grade | TVöD Bund, up to level 13 (66%) |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Work Location | Helgoland, Germany |
| Reference Code | 26/65/D/Bio-b |
| Application Deadline | August 5, 2026 |
Research Area
- Molecular Microbial Ecology
- Marine Microbiology & Aquatic Ecology
- Phage-Host Dynamics & Bacteriophage Therapy
- Bioinformatics & Microbial Genomics
Location
- Helgoland, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aquatic Sciences, Microbiology, or related fields.
- Technical Skills: Strong background in Molecular Aquatic Ecology and Bioinformatics.
- Practical Experience: Willingness and ability to conduct field and laboratory experiments following strict safety guidelines.
- Language Requirements:
- English: Very good knowledge (CEFR Level C1).
- German: Basic knowledge (approx. CEFR Level A1+A2).
Job Description
- Isolate bacteria and bacteriophages from aquaculture systems and natural aquatic environments.
- Characterize bacterial and phage isolates using MALDI-TOF MS, FTIR spectroscopy, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and bioinformatic pipelines.
- Conduct experimental trials with European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) larvae to evaluate phage treatment potential.
- Investigate temperature-dependent phage-host interactions to simulate climate change impacts.
- Analyze integrated genomic and phenotypic data to support sustainable aquaculture disease control.
How to Apply
- Apply online via the official AWI Job Portal.
- Submit your complete application in English. (Note: Photos are not required).
- Ensure you quote reference code 26/65/D/Bio-b.
- For scientific queries, contact Dr. Nina Bartlau (
nina.bartlau@awi.de).
Last Date to Apply
- August 5, 2026
