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/
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.
• 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 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.
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. Applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns her/him. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by Professor Søren J. Sørensen and the head of department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School of Science, University of Copenhagen.
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.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Applicants are requested to submit their application by filling in relevant parts of the form “Application for PhD scholarship and enrolment to the PhD School” at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/staff/forms/applying_forms/101025_Application_for_scholarship_and_admission.doc/
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.
The form, together with appendices requested in that form and above should be e-mailed as a single PDF-file to job9@bio.ku.dk Please include in the subject field “your name – PhD scholarship in Soil Microbiology “. In addition, a signed hardcopy of the application must be posted to Jannike Dyrskjøt, Nørre Allé 51, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. The deadline for applications is December 18, 2011.
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 in January 2012.
For further information please contact Professor Søren J. Sørensen sjs@bio.ku.dk
Deadline: 18-12-2011
Publisher: Faculty of Science
