"PhD position (m/f/d), no. 441"

Welcome to Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, one of the strongest research universities in the heart of Central Germany. We are one of the Innovative Universities offering research and teaching at an international level as well as the best quality of study and life. With more than 70 degree programmes, we create individual freedom to develop personalities and prepare around 7,500 German and international students for one thing above all: a successful career start.

In the Department Applied Biosciences and Process Engineering in Köthen (Anhalt) we invite applications for a full-time PhD position (m/f/d), no. 441. The anticipated start date for the position is 01/04/2026. The employee’s gross salary will be approximately 3.900 € per month (without family allowance) or 4450 € per month (with family allowance), depending on the year of employment and the choice of health insurance.

The METAMIC project will embed Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in a unique training environment to advance microbiome science through metaproteomics. The program addresses One Health challenges by integrating research on microbial mechanisms, microbiome dynamics in various ecosystems, and translational applications in clinical and biotech fields. DCs will benefit from expertise across molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical research, and environmental science, supported by collaborations among academia, industry, and public sector partners. METAMIC is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework programme (Grant Agreement number 101225682).

You will be responsible for:

• sampling of microbiome from engineered and natural habitats
• metaproteomics of collected material for identification of effectors shaping microbiomes
• provision of tailored metaproteomic workflows for translational use cases

within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral network METAMIC 3 - Metaproteome-based leveraged microbiome management in the context of One Health.

Your profile:

• Masters, Diploma (Uni) degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology or similar
• experience in (meta-)proteomics, (meta-)genomics and collecting and handling environmental samples
• proficiency in scientific English (written and spoken)

Furthermore, candidates have to fully comply with the following essential eligibility criteria:

• Academic Qualification: The applicant must hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent and must have obtained the degree or equivalent by the DC start date.
• In order to be recruited to the network as a doctoral candidate, applicants must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree (i.e. a Ph.D. degree).
• Conditions of international mobility of researchers: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their recruiting organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.

Several stays at other institutions abroad are planned:

• sampling and analyzing phage impacts on constructed microbial communities for resource recovery at lab and pilot scale treatment systems at Sheffield University (UK)
• two months at Centro de Edafologia y Biologia Aplicada del Segura (Murcia, Spain) to receive training for samples from natural habitats (soil)
• two months at Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics University of Vienna (Austria) for method exchange

Please send us an official proof of equivalence with a German qualification for an educational qualification obtained abroad. For further information please visit https://zab.kmk.org/de/zeugnisbewertung.

What we offer:

• a clear research topic as well as multi-fold training and support for PhD students in framework of a collaborative training network;
• working in an outstanding, collaborative, and international network;
• training and scientific development opportunities in a supportive environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team;
• flexible and family-friendly working time models in accordance with the applicable service agreement,
• university location with good transport links between Magdeburg and Halle/Leipzig; although the primary workplace is in Köthen, the position allows for a flexible work schedule that includes both working on site and from home,
• the opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops.

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and equal development. The provisions of SGB IX apply to severely disabled persons with equal aptitude, qualifications and professional performance. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and transgender status.

Complete applications cover an extended curriculum vitae with full publication list, a cover letter, copies of your diplomas, a 2-page research statement that clearly describes your research profile and interests in the position as well as your expertise and methodological competencies, names and contact information of 2 references, if available.