Microbial ammonia oxidation is an integral step in the global biogeochemical nitrogen cycle and is central to the challenges of climate change and food security. Ammonia oxidising microorganisms are key players in the nitrogen cycle and responsible for enormous loss of nitrogen fertiliser from soil ecosystems. In order to balance and sustainably manage the nitrogen cycle, a more detailed mechanistic understanding of ammonia oxidising microorganisms is required. The aim of this project is to deliver crucial information on the metabolism and ecology of ammonia oxidising microorganisms and to determine how cellular and physiological traits of ammonia oxidising microbes translate to nitrification rates in soil environments.
Postdoc position
The postdoc will identify active ammonia oxidising populations in soil and characterise their metabolism and adaptations through metagenomics. The postdoc will determine how the physiology and activity of ammonia oxidising microorganisms changes in response to their environment. This project will utilise novel, cutting-edge microbiology techniques and both cultivation-independent and pure culture approaches to address these research goals.
The successful applicant will have a PhD in microbiology, significant experience in environmental microbiology, molecular microbial ecology and/or biogeochemical cycles and a strong publication record.
Position is offered for 36 months. Start date: 1st April 2020 (negotiable).
To apply, go to: https://myview.uea.ac.uk/webrecruitment/pages/vacancy.jsf?vacancyRef=RA1737
Technician position
The technician will provide essential technical research support on this ERC project. The key responsibilities include the cultivation of ammonia oxidising archaea and bacteria, analysis of inorganic nitrogen, microscopy, molecular techniques and analysis of soil microcosms.
The successful applicant will have a BSc in a relevant discipline and experience of working in an environmental microbiology or molecular microbiology laboratory.
Position is offered for 36 months on a part-time basis (50% FTE). Start date: 1st April 2020 (negotiable).
To apply, go to: https://myview.uea.ac.uk/webrecruitment/pages/vacancy.jsf?vacancyRef=TC699
Informal inquiries are strongly encouraged, please email Dr Laura Lehtovirta-Morley:
Further reading:
Lehtovirta-Morley LE, Stoecker K, Vilcinskas A, Prosser JI, Nicol GW (2011) Cultivation of an obligate acidophilic ammonia oxidizer from a nitrifying acid soil. PNAS 108: 15892.
Lehtovirta-Morley LE, Ross J, Hink L, Weber, EB, Gubry-Rangin C, Thion C, Prosser JI, Nicol GW (2016) Isolation of ‘Candidatus Nitrosocosmicus franklandus’, a novel ureolytic soil archaeal ammonia oxidiser with tolerance to high ammonia concentration. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 92:fiw057.
Lehtovirta-Morley LE, Sayavedra-Soto L, Gallois N, Schouten S, Stein LY, Prosser JI, Nicol GW (2016) Identifying potential mechanisms enabling acidophily in the ammonia-oxidizing archaeon 'Candidatus Nitrosotalea devanaterra'. Appl Environ Microbiol 82:2608.
Bennett K, Sadler NC, Wright AT, Yeager C, Hyman MR (2016) Activity-based protein profiling of ammonia monooxygenase in Nitrosomonas europaea. Appl Environ Microbiol 82:2270.