In the context of the Center for Electromicrobiology a 3-year PhD position is available at the Department of Biology with earliest start on the 1st of August.
Cable bacteria are electrically-conductive, filamentous bacteria able to couple sulfide oxidation with oxygen or nitrate reduction over centimeter distances in aquatic sediments. Such “short-circuit” of the redox cascade has been shown to alter the biogeochemistry in unconventional ways with implications for the cycling of oxygen, nutrients, carbon, minerals, ions, and greenhouse gasses. This broad impact has gained cable bacteria the name of ecosystem engineers and yet it remains largely unpredictable when they come into play in natural benthic systems.
The PhD project will contribute to address the questions:
Work will include: sediment and porewater sampling, nutrient analysis, sediment microsensor profiling, and application of standard geochemical and isotopic techniques. Measurements will be conducted both in laboratory incubation and in situ.
The project will entail collaborations with internationals partners.
Potential candidates are welcome to reach out to prior to application to get further information on the project.
The ideal candidate for this position has a strong background in biogeochemistry, environmental science, or chemistry, and an interest in microbial ecology. Besides a solid scientific background, the following qualifications / characteristics are considered important:
Applications should be done via the Graduate School for Natural Sciences (GSNS May call). Please, find the direct link on GSNS to our specific call here.
