The Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory are institutes of the Max Planck Society and conduct fundamental research in biology. The institutes consist of six scientific departments and several research groups with approximately 350 employees and scientific guests who work together in an international community and are supported by administrative, technical and scientific staff.

At the earliest possible date, the Max Planck Institute for Biology is looking for a

Postdoc in methanogen genetics (m/f/d). 

The position

We are seeking a motivated Postdoc to join an international consortium focused on genetic methods to study bacteria and archaea in ruminant livestock, significant contributors tomethane emissions. The position will be in the Marsh Group at Max Planck Institute for Biology (MPI) in collaboration with Prof. Ruth Ley (MPI), Dr. Bastian Molitor (University of Leipzig), and an international consortium.

Marsh Group

The Marsh lab at MPI in Tübingen, Germany, seeks to develop and apply novel genetic tools to deepen our understanding of gut microbial ecology and function. We rely on advanced molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, computational biology, and genetic engineering strategies to drive these goals. The Group is within the Department of Microbiome Science, led by Prof. Ruth Ley.

The project

Methanogens are abundant, diverse, and active members of the human and ruminant gut microbiome where they maintain numerous syntrophic relationships with both their host and resident bacteria. However, the mechanistic drivers of these interactions remain elusive due to a lack of suitable genetic tools. Over two years, we aim to develop the genetic tools needed to study and manipulate these poorly understood microbes in ruminants, with the long-term goal of creating knowledge and tools needed to mitigate this potent anthropogenic driver of climate change. Our department has a proven track-record for cutting edge research on methanogens and microbial ecology and we have recently developed innovative strategies for the targeted manipulation of non-model gut-associated organisms.

Description

The candidate will be expected to leverage this pipeline to develop an innovative research plan that harnesses genetic engineering to illuminate this hidden corner of the gut microbiome. The accepted postdoc will lead the research project while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. They will share results via lab meetings and discussions with the PI and will be expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed journals and travel to in-person meetings once a year to meet with the consortium. The position is for two years, with the possibility for extension.