PhD Position in Marine Microbial Ecology ‘Exploring Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Danish Coastal Sediments’

A three-year PhD position in marine microbial ecology is offered at the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. The position starts 1 April 2021 and will be associated with the four-year research project ‘Future stimulated nitrogen fixation: threatening the health of coastal ecosystems?’ funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark. The project is a synergy with the University of Copenhagen (Lasse Riemann), and Aarhus University in Roskilde (Stiig Markager), and will benefit from a strong collaboration with the Baltic Sea research Institute, Warnemünde, Germany (Maren Voss), and the University of Rhode Island, USA (Robinson Fulweiler). Application deadline: 18 January 2021.

Background:
The import of nitrogen (N) through biological N2 fixation is essential for plankton productivity in vast areas of the global ocean. In fact, this conversion of N2 gas to ammonium available for growth is fueling up to 50% of the new production in some regions. N2 fixation in Danish coastal waters has been largely overlooked, and climate change is predicted to stimulate this activity. Important N2 fixing organisms likely include cyanobacteria advected from the Baltic Sea and heterotrophic bacteria. The aim of the overarching project is to determine the importance of benthic and pelagic N2 fixation in Danish marine regions, in the face of climate change.

Two PhD students will be employed within the project: one at the University of Southern Denmark focusing on benthic processes, and one at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) focusing on pelagic processes. The two students will collaborate closely with respect to sampling and sample analyses. The SDU PhD student will focus on the magnitude and seasonality of N2 fixation in Danish coastal sediments. This will include rate measurements using gas analysis, isotope quantification, molecular identification of the actively N2 fixing groups, and manipulation studies to explore parameters governing N2 fixation. The work will entail cutting-edge molecular, physiological, and biogeochemical approaches (Real-Time PCR, high-throughput sequencing, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and 15N tracer techniques, including nano-SIMS) in association with laboratory studies and field sampling.

Qualifications/requirements
Candidates will jointly be selected by Carolin Löscher and Lasse Riemann. We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious candidates with:
• An MSc degree in Biology, Geosciences or similar, experience in biogeochemical rate measurements preferably with isotope labelling, microbial culture work, and/or NGS data analysis would be an asset
• Project management and project development skills
• Interest to travel and participate in field experiments nationally and internationally
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We offer:
• A three-year PhD position in a stimulating and supportive, international young research team, and embedded in a collaborative larger project between three Danish Universities and international collaborators
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department.

For further information please contact Carolin Löscher at [email protected].

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).

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 made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• 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
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

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

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.