Dr. Thomas Wichard

Dr. Thomas Wichard

Research Group Leader, Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry
Dr. Thomas Wichard
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Thomas Wichard, PD Dr
Group Leader
thomas.wichard@uni-jena.de
Technikum Optik, Room 2.06
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

University education 

  • Biochemistry (1995–2001), University of Regensburg, Germany

Scientific degrees

  • Habilitation: Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, 2021
    Venia Legendi for Analytical Chemistry
  • Graduation (PhD): Biochemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, 2006

Education and Scientific Career

  • 2023-2024: Deputy professorship in Analytical Chemistry
  • 2021: Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry (Privatdozent), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
  • 2009–present: Research Group Leader, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
  • 2008: Research Associate at the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
  • 2006–2008: Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Chemistry at Princeton University, Princeton Environmental Institute, Department of Geosciences, USA
  • 2006: Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Chemical Sciences of the EPFL (Switzerland)
  • 2004–2006: Member of the International Max Planck Research School: "The Exploration of Ecological Interactions with Molecular and Chemical Techniques"
  • 2002–2006: Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena (Germany): Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) in Biochemistry
  • 2001–2002: Technical Assistant at the Institute of Medical Genetics at the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (Germany)
  • 1995–2001: University of Regensburg (Germany): Diploma in Biochemistry

Management

  • since 2023: Project leader BMBF Zukunftscluster ThWIC (VANAPLA)
  • 2021–2025: Member of the Management Committee of the COST Action CA20106
  • 2021–2025: Work package leader “Bioactive chemicals and Ulva-associated microorganisms” of the COST Action CA20106
  • 2020: Project and team management of the scientific stay at Carlini Station (King Georg Island, Antarctica)
  • 2019–present: Associated Editor of Botanica Marina
  • 2017: Editor of Special Issue Phycomorph in Botanica Marina
  • 2015–2019: Work package leader “Symbiosis” of Horizon 2020-MSCA-ITN-2014 ALFF
  • 2015–2019: Member of the Management Committee of the COST Action “Phycomorph” FA1406
  • 2015–2019: Work package leader “Adult algal growth” of the COST Action “Phycomorph” FA1406

Current research projects

  • Symbiotic interaction of the green alga Ulva mutabilis and its bacteria (Chemical Ecology)
  • Bacteria induced morphogenesis (Developmental Biology)
  • Regulation of the gametogenesis and gamete release of Ulva 
  • Bacterial modulation of stress adaptations in algae
  • Microbe leverage to aquaculture to improve Ulva culture maintenance and biomass production
  • Metallophore production of nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria

Research Interests

(Chemical Ecology, Analytical Chemistry, Marine Sciences)

  • Chemical mediator-based interactions between eukaryotes and prokaryotes:
    Cross-kingdom cross-talk via waterborne infochemicals and shared metabolites in aquatic systems
  • Bacteria induced morphogenesis and cell differentiation in the green seaweed Ulva
  • Trace metal recruitment and metal homeostasis in aquatic systems and below-ground in the rhizosphere
  • Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics data
  • Developing the genetic tool kit for Ulva
  • Bioremediation through macroalgae

Teaching Experiences

  • 2003–2006: undergraduate students co-supervisor at the Max Planck Institute, Jena (Germany
  • Since 2008: practical courses, seminars, and lectures in analytical chemistry for undergraduate students in chemistry, biogeochemistry, and geosciences at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. 

Please see my classes here.

Professional Society Memberships

  • Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh)
  • Deutschen Botanischen Gesellschaft (DBG, Sektion Phykologie) 
  • German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM)
  • International Seawead Association (ISA)

Editor

Awards

  • 2006–2008: Camille and Henry Dreyfus Fellowship in Environmental Science
  • 2010–2012: Förderung durch die Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Grants received

    • BMBF ThWIC Project VANAPLA: 2023-2026
    • SFB 1127 ChemBioSys: 2022-2026
    • SPP 1158 Antarktisforschung: 2021-2022
    • SPP 1158 Antarktisforschung: 2019-2021
    • SFB 1127 ChemBioSys: 2018-2022
    • SFB 1127 ChemBioSys: 2014-2018
    • Horizont 2020-MSCA-ITN-2014 ALFF: 2014-2018
    • COST Action FA1406 Phycomorph: 2015 - 2019 (STSM, organization of workshops and training schools)
    • DFG-Exzellenzinitiative: Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC): 2009-2012, 2013-2016
    • Fonds der Chemischen Industrie im Verband der chemischen Industrie e.V.: 2012
    • Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD): Canada in 2012& 2013
    • Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD): Portugal - Acções Integradas Luso-Alemãs in 2012
    • ASSEMBLE European Community - Research Infrastructure Action (1st call in 2010, 3rd call in 2011 and 5th call in 2012)