ESR 1 Advert

PhD scholarship in Soil Microbiology “Development and validation of standardized analysis of soil biodiversity”

Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen

ESR1, 3 years starting July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015

Soil is by far the most species-rich of the Earth’s many microbial habitats with hundreds of thousands of different microbial species in a few grams. Soil will continue to be vital component contributing to Ecosystem Services. In this project we will use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to explore the bacterial biodiversity and its links with ecosystem services. The project aims to develop a high throughput analyses toolbox for soil biodiversity and activity –based on cutting-edge molecular technologies that will enable cost-efficient in-depth analyses of the diversity and activity of soil microorganisms and soil microfauna that will be used to help to evaluate ecosystem services that these soils provide.

The successful candidate will use a combination of high throughput technologies to describe soil microbial communities based on DNA and RNA. The work involves second generation DNA-sequencing (pyrosequencing and Illumina-based) technology. In addition, the successful candidate will implement protocols for quantitative analysis of specific bioindicators using Q-PCR.

The position is funded for 3 years through a recently established “Trainbiodiverse” FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network. The project will be carried out at Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. For more information please visit: http://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/em/

**Qualifications:**

We are looking for an expert bioinformatician with experience in NGS data analysis and analysis of microbial metagenomic data.

  • M.Sc. in, microbiology, molecular biology or similar relevant discipline
  • Experience with high throughput sequencing including pyrosequencing or Ilumina sequencing will be advantageous
  • Experience of standardised sampling methods and nucleic acid isolation
  • Documented experience with molecular tools including Q-PCR
  • Fluency in English
  • Able to engage in teamwork within the group and our collaborators

**Application:**

The application must contain:

  • Motivated letter of application
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of publications
  • Transcript of university examinations (in English)
  • Contact details of 2 persons for references

An assessment committee will evaluate the applications. The applicant will be notified of the composition of the committee. Each applicant will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns her/him. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant.

Recruiting is in accordance with the rules for Marie Curie Initial Training Networks. Ph.D. candidates must have obtained their degree entitling them to embark on a doctorate no more than 4 years prior to the time of recruitment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Eligibility criteria of Marie Curie Initial Training Networks apply. Only applicants who comply with these conditions will be considered. Details can be found on http://www.trainbiodiverse.com/eligibility-criteria

**Terms of appointment** and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). Moreover, the salary of the candidate will be in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down in the Marie Curie Grant Agreement.

Salary is expected to be DKK 25,015 to DKK 30,209 (approximately 3365 to 4050 Euro) plus contribution to the pension fund of 17.1 % of 85 % of the salary.

A significant mobility and familial status allowance will also be included in remuneration for the position.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender or personal background.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2012.

Apply online here: Apply online Applications are accepted between 27 March and 15 May 2012

Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science as soon as possible and no later than July 1, 2012.

For further information please contact Tim Evison tevison@bio.ku.dk: **Please do not post your application to this address**

Eligibility criteria of Marie Curie Initial Training Networks apply. Only applicants who comply with these conditions will be considered. Details can be found on http://www.trainbiodiverse.com/eligibility-criteria

 

Euraxess job nr 04 job id 33772322