PhD position: Anaerobic Microbiology 1505 views

The Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) are inviting applications for a Phd position in Anaerobic Microbiology of the Black Sea. This project is part of the Gravitation Research Program SIAM – Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology.

About the project:

• The aim of this PhD project is to study the metabolism of methylated compounds in the water column and sediments of the Black Sea.
• Microbial interactions between the different trophic groups in these zones, regarding the metabolism of methanol, methylamines, and methylsulfides will be analysed.
• Assimilation of methylated compounds in marine environments has not yet been thoroughly investigated.
• Findings obtained within this PhD project will result in a better understanding of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen cycling in the Black Sea.
• The PhD student will be able to join a scientific cruise to the Black Sea (August) and collect samples for his/her research.
• The final goal is to have a better understanding of the ecological importance of different metabolic groups (methanogens, acetogens) in the Black Sea anoxic zones.
• PIs: Diana Z. Sousa and Alfons J.M.Stams (WUR); Laura Villanueva and Jaap Damsté (NIOZ)

Requirements:

• Applicant must Master’s in Biology, Biotechnology or Microbiology.
• Applicant must have knowledge of molecular methods and microbial physiology is essential and experience in data analysis using bioinformatics tools is an advantage.
• Applicant must possess fluency in English (both spoken and written).

Duration: total 4 years (initially temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation)

Value: Gross salary € 2222,- € 2840,- per month

Applications:

• Apply online with the following documents:
• motivation letter, including interests, and strong scientific abilities,
• CV including degree certificates, abstract of master thesis,
• At least two references that can be contacted directly.