PhD student for the research of microbiological risks in food from aquaculture (f/m/d)

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is the national institute which prepares expert reports and opinions on questions of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally recognised scientific assessment criteria. It advises the Federal Government and other institutions and interest groups in these areas. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks. It is an institution with legal capacity within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

In the department of Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET in the unit “Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture and Reference Materials” of the BfR, the following three year position is immediately available:

PhD student for the research of microbiological risks in food from aquaculture (f/m/d)

Reference number: 3551| Salary group 13 TVöD | Place of employment: Berlin | Application deadline: 11.07.2024

The position is part-time, with 65% of the regular weekly working hours (currently 25.35 hours). The time limit is set on the basis of the Act on Fixed-Term Contracts in Academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz).

The position should be used for a doctorate. Participation in the accompanying doctoral programme is compulsory. This serves to impart both scientific and methodological knowledge and offers the opportunity to regularly present doctoral projects in internal events and benefit from scientific exchange.

Tasks:

The "Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture and Reference Material" Unit is responsible for the BfR's laboratory animal husbandry, takes care of the animals in animal experiments and supports the technical tasks relating to laboratory animal welfare and the safety of food of animal origin. In addition, we carry out research projects on reducing the stress on laboratory animals (refinement) and on the safety of foodstuffs from aquatic production.

In detail, the tasks of the advertised position include:

• Research into microbiological risks in aquaculture foodstuffs with a focus on biofloc aquaculture systems
• Performance of microbiological, molecular and sequence-based analyses of aquacultured foods and aquaculture farm water
• Carrying out, documenting and evaluating tests on the microbiological safety of aquaculture products
• Active participation in the planning and implementation of experiments (including animal experiments) in the field of food safety of aquatic livestock
• Participation in the development and evaluation of measures for the humane husbandry of aquatic livestock as laboratory animals
• Preparation of publications, preparation of data for reports or presentations (posters, lectures) and active participation in specialist conferences
• Support in the supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students

Your profile:

• Completed university degree (Master, Diploma or a comparable university degree) in veterinary medicine, biology, microbiology or a comparable specialisation
• Experience in microbiological analysis methods in food or water samples 
• Great enjoyment of science, high self-motivation and strong interest in issues relating to the food safety of aquatic organisms
• Willingness to work in an aquatic laboratory animal facility 
• Good knowledge of German and very good knowledge of written and spoken English 
• Good computer skills as well as a conscientious way of working, flexibility, ability to work in a team and under pressure as well as the willingness to travel on business trips

Desirable:

• Experience in handling and keeping aquatic animals 
• Knowledge of the practical implementation of contamination tests
• Knowledge of national and EU animal welfare legislation with a focus on laboratory animal welfare

What we can offer you:

• A varied range of responsibilities in a growing departmental research institution
• Trust-based working hours
• 30 days’ annual leave (based on a 5-day week) as well as days off on 12/24 and 12/31
• Job ticket/ Deutschlandticket Job with monthly employer contribution of up to 50%
• Mobile working opportunities
• Excellent links to the public transport network 
• Wide range of further training opportunities
• VBL occupational pension and Capital-forming benefits
• AWO-Familienservice/Family Service

Application process: Does this position appeal to you? Then please apply by 11.07.2024 via our online 
system:

Please address any questions in connection with the application process to: bewerbung@bfr.bund.de.

– Please do not send any applications to this email address –

If you are not able to apply online, please send your application by post quoting the respective reference number. Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung / Personalreferat / Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10 / 10589 Berlin

Contact for further information:

Dr. Banneke       Tel.: 030 18412-29500 / E-Mail: Stefanie.Banneke@bfr.bund.de

The BfR welcomes applications from people of all nationalities. 

The BfR is an innovative scientific institute offering family-friendly working conditions for which it was awarded the “audit berufundfamilie®” (work and family) certificate. The BfR guarantees equal career opportunities for women and men. In the case of equal suitability, severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration and are only required to have a minimum level of physical suitability.