PhD Student (m/f/d) / Microbial contamination and diversity in public spaces - #2724250

The Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne conducts interdisciplinary life sciences research using innovative approaches at the highest international level. The goal is to maintain and improve human health and performance in our mobile society—in space, in aviation, and on Earth.

About The Position

The Department of Applied Aerospace Biology at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine strives to continually expand knowledge of aviation- and transportation-related aspects of human health, performance, and well-being through research involving extensive laboratory and field studies.

In the Aerospace Microbiology group, we investigate, among other things, microbial contamination and diversity in public spaces and on public transportation. The 2020 COVID pandemic demonstrated how vulnerable our transportation networks are to pandemic events; therefore, it is essential to conduct detailed research on the existing microbiome and virome and to understand infection transmission, particularly within the interiors of public transportation vehicles. In addition to characterizing the aerobiome—with a special focus on viral and fungal diversity—another goal of our research is to determine the distribution of microbes within the passenger compartment. Alongside these studies, we aim to investigate the effects of various disinfection measures on the expression of different regulatory mechanisms of specific relevant pathogens using transcriptome analysis.

Your tasks

The goal of this doctoral thesis is to characterize the aerobiome in commuter trains and transportation-related areas (e.g., train stations) in collaboration with our partners in public transit. A key research question in this work is how microorganisms are transported through the air. In collaboration with other DLR institutes, we will determine the distribution of microorganisms under various ventilation scenarios in demonstrators of an ICE train, as well as in various models of passenger airplanes. Short- and long-term measures to interrupt chains of infection within the described infrastructure will be developed and validated, taking into account industrial feasibility and the cost-benefit efficiency of tested measures (radiation-based measures, air purification, etc.).

Your Qualifications

• Completed university-level scientific education (bachelor’s or master’s degree) in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, or a related field
• Experience with virus cultivation and detection
• Experience in microbiological work and sterile procedures involving organisms that are potentially pathogenic to humans (S2 organisms)
• Solid experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and nanopore sequencing
• Experience working with RNA and cDNA
• Very strong skills in analyzing next-generation sequencing data (Illumina or Nanopore) and experience in bioinformatics (Phyton, Linux)
• High motivation, commitment, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and structured manner and to interact confidently with industry partners
  
  

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6470) please contact:

Dr. Christian Liemersdorf

Tel.: +49 2203 601 3869