Join our team: PhD position on the Physiology of Aquatic Cyanobacteria

10 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Department

Centre Algatech

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Czech Republic

Application Deadline

20 May 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Prague)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Jun 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Interested in phytoplankton physiology and single-cell techniques? We are looking for a motivated student to join the laboratory for Microbial Photosynthesis at Centre Algatech of the Institute of Microbiology CAS in Trebon, Czechia and investigate the physiology of cyanobacteria at single-cell resolution.

THE PROJECT
In recent years, an increasing number of studies has shown that individual cells not only in field populations but also in laboratory cultures of microbes can differ from each other both genetically and in their phenotype. In this PhD project, you will focus on quantifying such cell-to-cell heterogeneity, understanding the factors that promote it and investigating its implications for cyanobacterial physiology in different contexts. You will be involved in projects dedicated to the ecological function of heterogeneity in a climate change setting and/or to increasing algal productivity in a biotechnology context.

The selected candidate will conduct experiments with laboratory cultures and natural communities of cyanobacteria, characterize their growth and physiology and develop and apply innovative single-cell techniques based on flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (nanoSIMS), confocal microscopy and other imaging techniques and/or transcriptomics.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• A BSc/MSc with a focus on Aquatic Microbiology, Biological Oceanography, Plant Ecophysiology, Molecular Biology or related fields
• A profound interest in physiological mechanisms and in developing new methods.
• Experience in cultivation and experimental work with microalgae as well as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy or other imaging techniques are of advantage. RNA sequencing experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis and image processing are further benefits.
• We seek a candidate with good communication skills, who is self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in a team.

Research Field

Biological sciences

Additional Information
Benefits

• Work in a friendly international team focused on the molecular biology, ecophysiology and biophysics of photosynthesis, located at an internationally recognized center for basic and applied research on microalgae and bacteria (currently >80 employees)
• We collaborate with institutes in Hungary (BLKI), the Netherlands (Utrecht University), Japan (Tokyo University) and Germany (AWI)
• Plentiful leaning opportunities concerning new methods, access to cutting-edge technology (microscopy, mass spectrometry etc.)
• Enrollment at the University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice (Physiology and Developmental Biology PhD program) provides opportunities for scientific and soft skill training, support for stays abroad and more. We also offer assistance with the administrative aspects of moving to the Czech Republic and accommodation for the first months.
• Třeboň is a small town set in a tranquil and invigorating environment located in the south of the Czech Republic close to the Austrian border, in a rural setting about 2 h from Prague and 30 min from Ceske Budejovice, surrounded by UNESCO-protected lake-land area and forests as well as historical towns.
• Start date asap

Selection process

Submit a single pdf with a letter of motivation describing previous experience relevant to the project and research interests, as well as a CV including any publications and contact information for two references to [email protected] . Review of applications will start on May 20th, 2024.
For more detailed information or questions on the project feel free to contact the PhD project supervisor Dr. Meri Eichner ([email protected] ). Info on the Lab: https://www.alga.cz/en/c-285-ondrej-prasil-s-group.html

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Country

Czech Republic

City

Trebon

Postal Code

37901

Street

Novohradska 237

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Trebon

Website

https://www.alga.cz/

Street

Novohradska 237

Postal Code

379 01

STATUS: EXPIRED