Master Thesis in microbiology - reaction of V. vulnificus isolates to simulated human wound fluid

Area of research:Diploma & Master Thesis

Part-Time Suitability:The position is suitable for part-time employment.

Job description:Master Thesis in microbiology - reaction of V. vulnificus isolates to simulated human wound fluidBackgroundDiseases and infections caused by contact with contaminated water or by consuming seafood, pose a problem for worldwide health care. Sea and brackish water in our coastal regions offer a diverse habitat for marine microorganisms, including potentially human pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus. Rising water temperatures have increased V. vulnificus growth rates, leading to high abundances in coastal environments and sometimes fatal infections during the summer months. Upon contact with water, even small injuries can lead to severe V. vulnificus infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Hereby, the bacteria are attracted by wound exudates.
Your TasksAs part of the master's thesis, V. vulnificus isolates generated within the DAM project PrimePrevention (https://www.marextreme.de/en/primeprevention) will be exposed to simulated human wound fluid (SWF). Screening of the reaction of isolates exposed to SWF will be performed by a combined resazurin/crystal violet microplate assay. Exemplarily, the transcriptome of a selected isolate exposed to SWF will be analyzed.

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• enrolled at an University

Further InformationYou are interested?You are interested?Please forward your applications with the standard documentation (cover letter with motivation, CV) by December 15, 2026 to: Dr Gunnar Gerdts (gunnar.gerdts@awi.de) or Dr Nina Bartlau (nina.bartlau@awi.de).
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.