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Researcher / Postdoc for molecular investigations on microbial ecology in deep-sea polymetallic nodule fields (m/f/d)

Background
While some companies are already working towards an early start of deep-sea mining, there is still an urgent need for research on the associated environmental impacts. In the , the Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology group is carrying out work on the impact of manganese nodule mining on deep-sea benthic communities and their functions. The Research focuses on industrial tests of the manganese nodule collector prototype Patania II in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) in the subtropical Eastern Pacific in 2021. Undisturbed conditions including their spatiotemporal variability (‘baselines’) are compared to ‘post-impact’ investigations, covering a period from days to years after simulated manganese nodule mining. The focus of the position advertised here in the will be on bacterial and archaeal communities at the bottom of the CCZ. A unique dataset with DNA/RNA sequences (including metabarcodes, metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from sediment, bottom seawater and polymetallic nodules) in combination with data on metabolic rates, and sediment biogeochemistry will form the basis of the work. Further sampling and measurements will take place in the CCZ as part of the project to investigate effects of the collector test on longer time scales. In addition to scientific publications, results will also contribute to project efforts to provide input to knowledge-based regulation of potential future deep-sea mining activities. Your Tasks
The primary focus will be on benthic microbial communities in manganese nodule ecosystems of the CCZ, combining analyses of taxonomic and functional diversity and integrating them with knowledge on environmental characteristics. In addition to benthic communities, microorganisms in bottom waters, on manganese nodules, and artificial nodules from colonization experiments will be investigated to fully assess environmental impacts and evaluate potential renaturation measures.The work will involve joint analyses within AWI and the larger network of project partners (e.g., on various environmental factors and communities of other size classes). Key tasks will involve:

• Perform bioinformatic analysis of microbial molecular data (metabarcoding, metagenomes, metatranscriptome) and evaluate the results regarding the taxonomic and functional diversity (e.g., community composition and structure, encoded and expressed metabolic pathways) of microbial communities
• Evaluate information collected from molecular data and explore in combination with existing knowledge on environmental conditions using ecological statistics
• Characterize environmental consequences of nodule mining and explore potential impact indicators (e.g., specific microbial taxa and functions) for ecosystem deterioration and – possibly – subsequent recovery
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences
• Contribute to integrated, multidisciplinary analyses in the project consortium and to joint publications and reports
• Join Expedition(s) and perform microbial sampling, laboratory incubations, extractions, and analyses on board and in the shore lab
• Contribute to general project tasks (e.g., annual meetings, participation and organization of workshops, reporting, data management)

Your Profile

• PhD in marine microbial ecology with a focus on molecular ecology or ecological genomics or closely related topics - ideally with a deep-ocean focus
• Professional experience as a Postdoc (at least 2 years) and proven experience in scientific publishing
• Comprehensive knowledge in bioinformatic analysis of taxonomic and functional biodiversity and encoded/expressed metabolic pathways of marine microbial communities (based on metabarcoding, metagenomes, metatranscriptomes)
• Expertise in bioinformatic tools and pipelines for data pre-processing, Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) table generation, gene/genome reconstruction, prediction of phylogenetic domains of DNA sequences and genes, molecular feature classification, and protein clustering based on structure and function. Skills in R, Python, Unix/Linux command-line tools, and workflow automation
• Profound understanding of the relevant metrics and methods to analyze microbial communities and functions and their spatio-temporal patterns in the environmental context (e.g., alpha/beta diversity, differential abundance and gene expression, phylogenetics, comparative/pangenomics, and metabolic pathway reconstruction). In-depth knowledge of public molecular databases for both taxonomic and functional annotation
• Profound knowledge regarding molecular lab work including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and library preparation for NGS
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with project partners. Management of research activities including sharing and joint analysis of results
• Willingness to participate in expeditions and international travel to project meetings and conferences
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken (approximately equivalent to level C1)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of microbial metabolic processes and methods to study them (e.g., tracer-based incubations) and general marine/benthic biogeochemistry
• Interest and intention to acquire and apply machine learning/AI methods for ecological analyses
• Expedition experience

Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Felix Janssen (felix.janssen@awi.de). This is a full-time, fixed-term position until June 30, 2029. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven or Bremen. All postdocs will register with AWI's postdoc office and thus gain access to a set of tailor-made career development tools. The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success - excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.
We strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the advertised position at AWI to reduce the underrepresentation of women. AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our and will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by July 16^th, 2025, exclusively online.
Reference number: 25/67/D/Bio-b