N1 Degradation of recalcitrant organic trace pollutants in biofilms at solid-water interfaces

The research will focus on the potential of both defined and natural biofilm communities to degrade (recalcitrant)
pharmaceuticals in urban water systems. Both aerobic and anaerobic subpopulations capable of promoting multiple
degradation pathways and strategies will be examined by physiological tests and molecular methods (MiSeq
sequencing, FISH, CLSM, DGGE, qPCR). The aim is to evaluate if the pollutant-degrading organisms can live on
trace pollutants alone or if they require co-substrates to maintain their energy metabolism. Significant interactions
(syntrophy, co-metabolism) between organisms for determining degradation efficiency should be identified. It is of
special interested to what extent the pharmaceuticals are transformed to compounds which can be integrated in the
pool of natural humic substances. Responsible organisms will be detected and quantified by FISH and qPCR
methods in both laboratory reactors and natural biofilms.
We are looking for a candidate with the following personal and scientific qualifications: Applicants should hold a
university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) related to the subject area of the project; knowledge in community
ecology, experimental work (classical and molecular microbiology), molecular tools to characterize microbial
communities, experience in next-generation sequencing will be of an asset, as are strong motivation, flexibility, and
the ability to work independently, an excellent oral and written command of English, including scientific writing skills.

Supervisors: Prof. Ulrich Szewzyk (TUB), Dr. Burga Braun (TUB), Dr. Peter Casper (IGB) and Prof. Mark Gessner
(IGB & TUB). Host organization: Technische Universität Berlin. Please address enquiries to Prof. Ulrich Szewzyk
(ulrich.szewzyk@tu-berlin.de) or Dr. Burga Braun (burga.braun@tu-berlin.de).

We invite candidates to apply for one or more of the UWI PhD positions described above. Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter indicating research interests and experience, and the specific thesis topics they wish to apply for (please give your preference). Please include a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation and a PDF copy of the Master’s Thesis.
Please send your application quoting the reference number and the respective project key (N1 ) preferably by email in a single PDF containing all application documents to apply_uwi@wahyd.tu-berlin.de or in writing to Technische Universität Berlin - Der Präsident -, Fakultät VI, Fachgebiet Wasserwirtschaft und Hydrosystemmodellierung, Prof. R. Hinkelmann, Sekr. TIB 1-B 14, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin.

:

Burga Braun
burga.braun@tu-berlin.de
TU Berlin
Berlin

Ansprechpartner: Burga Braun