At the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a PhD position on “Abundance and Effects of Microplastics in Large Rivers” is currently available.

The Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology (Prof. Jörg Oehlmann) at the Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is recruiting a highly motivated and talented individual for a PhD position (scientific assistant, 50%, E13 TV-G-U) in the research project “Abundance and Effects of Microplastics in Large Rivers” (funded by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology). The position is available immediately and is fixed-term until December 31, 2017 with the option for extension. Federal and state regulations for fixed-term employment apply.

The successful applicant will characterize and assess the toxicity of microplastics in aquatic invertebrates (Annelida, Mollusca, Crustacea, Insecta) with special focus on molecular biomarkers for cellular stress and inflammation. A second research focus is the determination of microplastics in river sediments by density separation and spectroscopic/metric techniques.

The position requires an excellent Master (or equivalent) degree in biology with specialization in environmental toxicology (or related fields). The successful applicant should be team-minded and resilient and bring excellent skills in communication (working language is English) and organization. In addition, proficiency in in vivo experiments, molecular biomarkers, and uni/multivariate statistics.

The Goethe University is an equal-opportunity employer. Please send your application including a CV, a research proposal (max. 3 pages), and the name of at least 2 referees in one pdf file to wagner@bio.uni-frankfurt.de (Dr. Martin Wagner, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University). Application deadline is August 20, 2015.