The University of Stuttgart is renowned for its excellence in research and teaching, situated in one of Europe’s most dynamic industrial regions. As a reputable institution, the university not only fosters academic growth but also offers an inclusive environment for its diverse staff, hailing from over 100 countries. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, the University of Stuttgart is a leader in knowledge and technology transfer.

Position Details:

• Release Date: 13.08.2024
• Ad ID: 1578
• Faculty/Institution: Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Institute: ISWA – Institute for Urban Water Engineering, Water Quality and Waste Management
• Application Deadline: 15.09.2024
• Estimated Start Date: 01.11.2024
• Teaching Commitment: None

About the Role

The Department of Environmental Microbiology at the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality, and Solid Waste Management (ISWA) at the University of Stuttgart is seeking a dedicated PhD student for an exciting research project titled:

“Investigating Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Soils and Freshwater Sediments.”

This project aims to explore the environmental impact of glyphosate, the world’s most extensively used herbicide, particularly when mixed with surfactants. The research will delve into how these surfactants, often deemed inert, affect microorganisms in the environment, including those that contribute to the degradation of glyphosate and the regulation of biogeochemical cycles that influence greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research Focus: The PhD student will investigate the effects of glyphosate-based surfactants on microorganisms capable of degrading glyphosate. This includes the use of aerobic cultivation techniques to enrich and isolate target organisms, and the establishment of cultivation experiments to assess surfactant impacts.
• Microcosm Studies: Conduct studies to observe surfactant impacts on complex microbial communities in agricultural soil and freshwater sediments. Techniques like 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics will be utilized.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The project is interdisciplinary, combining biogeochemistry and molecular biology, and is funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental microbiology and molecular ecology. The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team is essential, as are excellent management and communication skills. Proficiency in English and advanced computer skills are required. The candidate will have opportunities to present their research at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

What We Offer

• Duration: This is a 3-year PhD position within a dynamic and international team.
• Employment Terms: The position is classified under TV-L E13, with 75% of the weekly working time (based on a 39.5-hour workweek).
• Start Date: November/December 2024, with flexibility for earlier or later start dates.
• Supportive Environment: The University of Stuttgart actively promotes diversity and inclusion and provides various programs to support work-life balance and professional development.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit their CV, a motivation letter, a summary of their research methods, and references by September 15th, 2024.
• Applications should be uploaded via the JoinUs portal.

Contact Information:

• Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Sara Kleindienst
• Email: sara.kleindienst@iswa.uni-stuttgart.de
• Phone: +49 711 685 69351

The University of Stuttgart is dedicated to fostering diversity and encourages applications from qualified women, people with international backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Female and disabled applicants will receive preferential consideration if they meet the qualifications.

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