Jillian Petersen

Jillian Petersen is Professor of Microbial Ecology at the University of Vienna, leading research on symbiotic relationships between marine invertebrates and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Her work combines genomics, single-cell imaging, and isotopic tracing to understand how these partnerships evolve in diverse habitats from deep-sea vents to coastal seagrass beds.

Research investigates genomic mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, evolutionary patterns in chemosynthetic symbioses, and ecological impacts on nutrient cycling. Her group maintains specialized facilities for studying uncultured microbes in controlled conditions.

Honors include ERC Starting (2018) and Consolidator (2023) Grants, leadership as Editor-in-Chief of The ISME Journal, and membership on the FWF board. Awards recognize contributions to aquatic ecology and microbial symbiosis research.