1 PhD Position (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. Within our interdisciplinary DBU-funded project

NatuReP

we invite applications for

NatuReP “Natural reference particles for the risk assessment of particulate pollutants” is a research project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU, https://www.dbu.de/en/). The project will be carried out within the animal ecology group of Prof. Christian Laforsch at the University of Bayreuth
(https://www.toek1-laforsch.uni-bayreuth.de/en/index.html) and in cooperation with research partners from Ecossa (https://ecossa.de/en/) and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=34257).

To assess the risk of particulate pollutants such as microplastics well-defined natural references particles are needed. NatuReP aims on generating, selecting and testing a set of well-defined natural reference particles, which are urgently needed to bring risk assessment in water and soil on the next level.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and apply state-of-the-art analytical methods for the characterization of microparticles (e.g., Scanning Electron Microscopy)
• Conduct ecotoxicological tests with a comprehensive set of test organisms from different environmental compartments (water, sediment, soil) to examine the suitability of natural reference particles
  
  

We Offer:

• An exciting research environment with intensive exchange with project partners and related projects in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1357 on microplastics (CRC 1357, https://www.sfb-mikroplastik.uni-bayreuth.de/en/index.html).
• Association with the CRC 1357, benefiting from an interdisciplinary team of scientists working in an application-oriented research field
• The opportunity to contribute to answering fundamental research questions within a dynamic and relevant research topic
• Individual and interdisciplinary qualification through the University of Bayreuth Graduate School and the structured BayNAT - PhD Program Interdisciplinary Microplastics Sciences, connecting all PhD candidates studying microplastics from all participating disciplines

Requirements:

• An excellent master’s degree in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences
• Experience in ecotoxicology is preferred but not mandatory
• Enjoy working independently and in a structured manner, as well as collaborating with an interdisciplinary team on a highly topical and socially relevant subject
• Show an above-average level of commitment, high flexibility, resilience, and team spirit
  
  

Application:

• Submit your application by 20.09.2024.
• If the requirements are met, the salary is in accordance with the German Public Service salary scale (TV-L E13, 65%).
• Place of employment is Bayreuth. The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is initially limited to a period of three years
  
  

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and explicitly commits to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club “Family at the University e.V.”; and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of the University”. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

Please apply online with all relevant documents (CV, letter of motivation, certificates, etc.) indicating the keyword „ NatuReP “ via our Application Portal Uni Bayreuth.

The documents will be deleted after the position is filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch or Dr. Martin Löder (sfbmicroplastic@uni-bayreuth.de).