PhD Student Research Opportunity in Germany
Are you a motivated PhD Student seeking a high-impact Research Opportunity in Germany? This fully funded doctoral position at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel offers an exceptional research opportunity for life science graduates interested in marine biogeochemistry, metalloenzymes, and global climate processes. Supported by the German Research Foundation, this role places you at the forefront of international marine and life science research.
About the Company
The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a globally recognized marine research institution conducting interdisciplinary science to understand ocean ecosystems and climate change. Supported by the German Research Foundation and the Helmholtz Association, GEOMAR offers outstanding research opportunities for life science graduates and early-career scientists worldwide.
PhD Student Research Opportunity Details:
- Title: PhD Student (m/f/d) Metalloenzymes in the Nutrient Uptake of Marine Phytoplankton
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Start Date: June 1, 2026 (negotiable)
- Contract Duration: 36 months (fixed-term)
- Working Time: 75% of a full-time position
- Salary: Up to E 13 (TVöD Bund), depending on qualifications and experience
- Location: Kiel, Germany
The Research Unit
This PhD position is offered by the Chemical Oceanography research unit within the Marine Biogeochemistry department and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The successful candidate will work within the Emmy Noether–funded research group “Metalloenzymes”, led by Dr. Viktoria Steck, as part of the project:
“Phosphorus–Manganese Linkages Regulate the Productivity of the Ocean Ecosystem.”
The position provides the opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in the natural sciences.
Project Description
Marine phytoplankton play a critical role in regulating global biogeochemical cycles, sustaining aquatic food webs, and influencing climate through carbon sequestration. Increasing phosphorus limitation in marine environments poses a growing threat to phytoplankton productivity. To overcome nutrient scarcity, these organisms rely on metal-dependent enzymes to access alternative phosphorus sources.
This PhD project aims to understand the biochemical mechanisms of metalloenzymes involved in microbial nutrient uptake and to assess their role in future ocean productivity and global Earth system evolution.
PhD Student Research Objectives
The PhD candidate will:
- Investigate microbial growth under varying nutrient conditions (e.g., phosphorus and trace metals)
- Analyze molecular mechanisms of metalloenzymes, including cofactors, substrates, and kinetics
- Integrate laboratory and environmental results using (meta-)proteomics and metallomics
The project involves close collaboration with GEOMAR scientists, international partner institutions, and participation in the FYORD Programme (Foster Young Ocean Researcher Development), offering structured career development and interdisciplinary networking opportunities within the Kiel Marine Sciences community.
Your Tasks
- Sterile cultivation of marine microorganisms (eukaryotic and prokaryotic)
- Recombinant expression and biochemical characterization of metalloenzymes
- (Meta-)proteomics and metallomics using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics
- Conduct experiments under trace metal–free conditions in a certified cleanroom
- Participate in field sampling aboard research vessels and at time-series stations
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences
- Collaborate with local and international research partners
Your Profile
Essential
- Master’s degree in (Bio)Chemistry, (Micro)Biology, Molecular Biology, Geosciences, Oceanography, Microbial Ecology, Genomics, or a related field (completed before project start)
- Laboratory experience in biochemistry, such as:
- Microbial cultivation
- Cloning and protein overexpression
- Enzymatic assays
- -Omics techniques (proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, etc.)
- Experience with statistical data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, Python)
- Strong English skills (written and spoken)
Desirable
- Experience with instrumental analysis (e.g., mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, chromatography, flow cytometry)
- Willingness to participate in research cruises
What GEOMAR Offers to PhD Students?
- Workplace directly on the Kiel Fjord, with excellent leisure and recreational opportunities
- Flexible working hours, mobile working options, and family-friendly policies
- Support services for professional and personal life situations
- A stimulating, international research environment
- Opportunity to contribute to marine and climate research of high societal relevance
- 30 days of annual leave, plus additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- Company pension schemes and employee savings plans
