We invite applications for a 24-month postdoctoral scientist position to work on the project “ElectroMicrobiological Oxygen Generation in Dark, Anoxic Sediments (OxyGen)”. The position will begin on March 1, 2022 or as soon as possible.
Job Description
Cable bacteria are filamentous microorganisms that transfer electrons across centimetre-scale distances, coupling distant oxidation and reduction reactions in aquatic sediment. Cable bacteria conserve energy by coupling the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide produced in deeper sediment layers to the reduction of oxygen diffusing into sediment from the overlying water. There is some evidence that under certain circumstances cable bacteria can reverse their oxygen reduction reaction in deep sediment, producing trace amounts of molecular oxygen from water. This oxygen then becomes available for respiration by aerobic bacteria in the surrounding sediment. This phenomenon has the potential to turn our concept of what “anoxic” sediment is upside-down. The successful candidate will investigate this process using a diverse suite of methods, including:
- Planar optodes
- Microsensors
- Stable isotope labeling
- Metatranscriptomics
This position is financed by the Villum Foundation. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, technicians and students in the Center for Electromicrobiology (http://cem.au.dk), funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, to achieve the project goals. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a background in microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental science, soil science, marine science, or other related fields.
Who we are
The successful candidate will be employed by the Department of Biology at Aarhus University (http://bio.au.dk/en) and work in the Section for Microbiology at this department. The section employs 9 professors with associated junior staff and hosts the Center for Electromicrobiology (CEM). Research at the section covers studies of microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry. It integrates basic and applied research, addressing the role, ecophysiology and evolution of microorganisms in natural, technical and clinical systems and in biotechnology (https://bio.au.dk/about-biology/sections/microbiology/). The section has very well-developed laboratories and a permanent supporting staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians.
Aarhus City
In Aarhus you have easy access to beautiful nature, an exciting culture and city life as well as a safe environment for children - a great place for the whole family. The city of Aarhus has everything you need within a surprisingly small area: exciting national and international jobs, delightful residential areas, a rich cultural life, and beautiful surrounding landscape of woods and coastline that make Aarhus a wonderful place to live and work. For further details on the city and the university please follow this link: https://international.au.dk/
The place of work is Department of Biology, Section for Microbiology, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C.
Qualifications must include:
- Relevant university education and PhD degree
- Relevant background – this could be microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental science, soil science, marine science or other fields
- Ability to work and collaborate in a group, to develop new ideas, and to write and communicate in English.
The deadline for applications is November 1, 2021. Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Assistant Professor Ian Marshall (ianpgm@bio.au.dk) or Associate Professor Klaus Koren (klaus.koren@bio.au.dk).
For further information and to apply please visit https://international.au.dk/about/profile/vacant-positions/job/postdoctoral-position-on-electromicrobiological-oxygen-production-in-sediment