Nico Jehmlich

Nico Jehmlich is a Group Leader in Microbiome Biology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, leading a team focused on microbial functional genomics and proteomics. His research integrates metaproteomics, stable isotope probing, and systems biology to understand microbial communities in environmental and health contexts.

Education & Career: Since 2013, he has led the Microbiome Biology group at UFZ. Previously, he was a PostDoc at the University of Greifswald (2009-2013) and Vanderbilt University (2010-2011), and completed his PhD in Proteomics at UFZ (2006-2009). He holds a Diplom in Biology from the University of Leipzig (2001-2006).

Research Focus: Jehmlich’s work centers on microbiome-driven processes in ecosystems and human health. Key areas include:

• Environmental microbiology (e.g., soil, water, and plant-associated microbiomes)
• Toxicoproteomics and xenobiotic effects on microbial communities
• Metaproteomic analysis of microbial adaptation and function
• Development of SIHUMIx, an in vitro human gut microbiota model

Recent Projects: Leading initiatives like SafePol (safeguarding pollinators) and MibiTox (microbiome-toxicology interfaces), he investigates microbial responses to pollutants, climate change, and agricultural practices. His team collaborates globally on One Health frameworks linking microbial effectors to human and environmental health.

Publications & Tools: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal work on microbial metaproteomics and environmental stress responses. Co-developed tools like the SIHUMIx model and contributed to the Critical Assessment of Metaproteome Investigation (CAMPI).