ESR 5 advert

PhD scholarship in Microbial Soil Ecology , characterising abiotic and biotic parameters shaping microbial cellulose degradation in soil at the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environ-mental Health (HMGU)

ESR 5, 3 years starting 01 July 2012 to 31 June 2015

The successful candidate will use high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics and statistics to model functional traits of aerobic and anaerobic cellulose degradation in soil. In the frame of this project unifactorial as well as multifactorial experiments will be performed in greenhouse studies investigating the role of selected abiotic and biotic factors steering cellulose degradation in soil. In addition field experiments using plant litter from selected plant species will be performed. Data will be included in a mechanistic food web model that will be developed in collaboration with other partners of the framework
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, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health. For more information please visit: http://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/egen

We are looking for an expert applicant with documented qualifications covering:
● M.Sc. in, microbiology, molecular biology or similar relevant discipline.
● Experience with high throughput sequencing including pyrosequencing or Ilumina sequencing will be advantageous.
● Documented experience of bioinformatic research tools.
● Experience of standardised sampling methods and nucleic acid isolation.
● Documented experience with molecular tools including Q-PCR.
● Fluency in English.
● You will be able to engage in teamwork within the group and our collaborators.
Recruiting is in accordance with the rules for Marie Curie Initial Training Networks. At the time of recruitment, it is a requirement that PhD candidates have not been awarded the doctorate degree and are in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. Furthermore, at the time of selection by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications.

The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by Prof. Michael Schloter, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. Terms of employment and the salary of the candidate will be in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down in the Marie Curie Grant Agreement.
Employment will reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. Compensation for family mobility and remuneration for parental leave will be included in the terms of employment. The regulations for employment under Marie Curie ITNs include allowances for employment of women in science.
The application should contain:
● Motivated letter of application
● Curriculum vitae
● List of publications
● Transcript of university examinations (in English)
● Contact details of 2 persons for references.

The form, together with appendices requested in that form and above should be e-mailed as a single PDF-file to Prof. Michael Schloter. Applications received after the deadline (June 1, 2012.), 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.
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

For further information please contact Professor Michael Schloter schloter@helmholtz-muenchen.de