PhD Fellowship Available
Molecular Microbial Ecology
Research School of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
Application Deadline: Thursday, 16 November 2006
For further information, please go to:
http://www.receto.dk
or contact:
Niels Kroer
National Environmental Research Institute in Denmark
E-mail: nk [at] dmu.dk
The Research School of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
(RECETO), National Environmental Research Institute in Denmark (NERI),
University of Copenhagen, and Rutgers University invite applications for
a PhD fellowship in molecular microbial ecology beginning in January
2007.
The position involves study of the role of mercury-resistant bacteria in
the cycling of mercury in arctic food webs. The specific goals of the
project are to: determine the extent to which deposited mercury is
bioavailable to microorganisms in sea ice and snow; assess the abundance
and diversity of bacteria in sea ice and snow capable of transforming
(i.e., reducing) mercury; assess the abundance of plasmids and the
diversity of mercury transformation genes in sea ice and snow bacterial
communities; and determine in situ rates of biological re-emission of
Hg(0) from the sea ice and snow based on estimates of the bacterial
reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0).
The successful candidate will perform laboratory testing and field work
in Station Nord on the northeast coast of Greenland. Sampling of snow,
sea ice, and seawater will take place in March-June 2007. If necessary,
additional sampling will be carried out in Spring 2008.
Applicants should be recent graduates in the field of microbial ecology
and preferably have experience in the application of molecular
techniques for characterizing the (functional) diversity of microbial
communities. Experience in microbial cycling of mercury is an advantage
but is not a prerequisite. Proficiency in spoken and written English is
necessary. The duration of the PhD contract is three years. Within the
contract period, the candidate is expected to complete his/her research
with publications and a dissertation.
Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the full
program description at http://www.receto.dk. To apply, candidates should
send an e-mail that references vacancy number REC2006-014 and includes a
CV (with a brief description of research interests, previous employment,
and publication list), documentation of academic degrees, reprints of
published articles, and names and e-mail addresses of references to
receto [at] kvl.dk.
Applicants may also send the same information via regular mail to:
RECETO
The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Department of Natural Sciences
Thorvaldsensvej 40
DK-1871 Frederiksberg C
Denmark
For further information, please go to:
http://www.receto.dk