PhD Position (m/f/d) in Biochemistry / Microplastics

The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth provides top-notch instrumentation for biochemistry, enzymology, and polymer science. By offering excellent training and research infrastructure, the institute and the university create a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating environment for biochemical projects.

The position is available immediately and limited for three years. The salary is according to  TV-L.

We are recruiting a talented individual to join our team as a graduate student. Within the PhD project, we will explore the mechanism and application scope of enzymatic and photooxidative fragmentation of microplastic particles. Our laboratory lays the molecular foundation by biochemically producing and biophysically characterizing enzymes that mediate oxidative and radical-mediated polyolefin degradation. By investigating the degradation and fragmentation of polyolefins as a function of light, temperature, and solvent conditions, the project will provide unprecedented insight into degradation mechanisms and will thereby identify innovative strategies for prospectively removing microplastics from the environment. The thesis research is embedded within the collaborative research centre 1357 ‘Microplastics’ recently renewed by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The highly collaborative project will be conducted in vibrant and close collaboration with polymer chemists, biochemists, biologists, and geoscientists.

Your tasks:

The successful applicant will conceptualize, plan, conduct, evaluate, document, present, and publish research into enzymatic and photooxidative mechanisms for polyolefin fragmentation and degradation. The applicant will further contribute to the supervision of B.Sc. and M.Sc. students. Upon completing the research, the applicant will write and defend a dissertation to acquire a PhD degree.

Your profile:

Applicants should hold an excellent M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline. Enthusiasm for experimental research, self-reliance, ability to work in an international team and good English skills are expected. Experience in one or several of the following subjects are desirable: molecular biology, protein biochemistry, enzyme mechanism, and biotechnology. We shall be delighted to provide more information on request.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is explicitly committed to the goal of equal opportunities for men and women. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club "Familie in der Hochschule e.V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

Application

Please apply online with meaningful application documents (cover letter, CV, list of publications and contact information for two referees willing to provide reference letters) via our Application Portal Uni Bayreuth. If possible, please combine the cover letter and the application documents in one file.

Call identifier: BCMP2023

The documents will be deleted after filling the position according to the requirements of data protection.

If you have any questions, please contact: 

Prof. Dr. Andreas Möglich, email: andreas.moeglich@uni-bayreuth.de,