PhD in Microbe-Mineral Interactions

Application deadline: 29 July 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
We offer a fully funded PhD student position (3+5 or 4+4) on the topic of microbial interspecies interactions involved in methane cycling. This role will involve a combination of laboratory research and occasional fieldwork to study the ecological and physiological roles of these microorganisms.

As a PhD student in our lab, you will have the opportunity to investigate how microorganisms interact with each other directly or by relying on minerals in their environment. You will work with anaerobic microbes and conduct genetic manipulations to understand their mechanisms of interaction with the extracellular environment. Additionally, you will take part in field studies, collecting samples and observing these processes in natural settings.

Our lab specializes in ecophysiology, with a focus on electroactive microorganisms involved in climate change or future industrial biotechnologies. We employ a wide range of techniques, including electrochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, isotopic labeling, expression studies, and high-resolution microscopy. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to gain a deeper understanding of how microorganisms influence their extracellular environment leading to change.

The position is supported by a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant, which provides a solid foundation for conducting high-impact research. You will join a dynamic team of researchers who are passionate about advancing the field of microbial ecology and physiology.

For additional information contact Professor Amelia-Elena Rotaru via email: [email protected].

Application deadline: 29 July 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
Start date: 1 September 2024 - or soon after

Lab webpage: https://rotarulab.com/
Section webpage: https://www.nordcee.dk/

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box “Application form”).
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades (if you apply for a 4+4 PhD program only the first, and the transcripts of your first year of masters)
• Contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) for at least two referees who can vouch for your skills

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Placering: Odense, Denmark