Postdoc of Exolife Science as part of the synergy project: “Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of...

Department: Biology
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

This postdoctoral position is under the interdisciplinary project “Effects of bacteria on atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and exoplanets” supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and which involves research groups at University of Copenhagen from the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology. The candidate will be based at the Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, and will work in a team of post docs and PhD students at the Centre for ExoLife Sciences (CELS) with the common goal of deepening our understanding of how microbial life interact with its surroundings in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments and how microorganisms affect the atmospheres of Earth and other planets, including the effects of microorganisms on cloud formation and properties.

For more information, please, see https://cels.nbi.ku.dk/english/ .

The main goal of the post doc project is to manipulate the genomes of selected bacterial, archaeal and fungal isolates from e.g. cold and/or dry environments in order to enhance their abilities to survive and/or sustain activity under extreme environmental conditions, e.g. simulated Martian conditions and simulated Earth or extra-terrestrial atmospheres and clouds. The genomic manipulations will include microbial taxa where stable genomic constructs often prove challenging to establish, e.g. cyanobacteria. Using genetic and physiological characterization of the main isolates the candidate will also establish the genetic and physiological background for microbial adaptations to the main environmental challenges relating to life on other planets and in atmospheres. The successful candidate will benefit from the synergy of microbiological and chemical laboratory experimentation in combination with basic understanding and advanced modelling of the physics of cloud formation and extra-terrestrial environmental conditions.

We look for a candidate in biology, biochemistry or related fields with experience in genomic manipulation of prokaryotes, fungi and/or algae using CRISPR-Cas, CRAGE or similar techniques. It will be an advantage to have experience from genomic and/or physiological characterization of prokaryotes, fungi or algae. Also, we look for a candidate who will engage in interdisciplinary research and will prioritize synergistic interactions with the other scientific fields within CELS.

The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, will co-supervise PhD students, and will attend international conferences. In addition, it will be possible to spend time at a collaborating institution abroad.

Principal supervisor: Professor Anders Priemé, Department of Biology, email: [email protected] , direct phone: (+45) 51827033. Co-supervisor: Associate professor Jan O. M. Härter, Niels Bohr Institute, email: [email protected] .

The postdoc’s duties will include research within microbiology and molecular biology with strong links to astronomy, chemistry and physics as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Anders Priemé ([email protected] ) and Associate Professor Jan Härter ([email protected] ).

The position is open from 1st of September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans including how your experience could further the research project outlined above
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 15 June 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews will be held on week 27+28 2022

APPLY

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.