Two-year Postdoc in Atmosphere Microbial Habitability Modelling.

21 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Aix-Marseille University

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

10 May 2024 - 23:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

To be defined

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

To be defined

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

We are seeking a 24-month Postdoc (PhD-level position) in Marseille, France, to work on a Human Frontier Science Project (HFSP) funded project ‘The atmosphere: a living, breathing ecosystem?’. The project is a collaboration involving the MIO in Marseille (France), the University of Guelph (Canada), Monash University (Australia) and Arizona State University (USA). The position is under the supervision of Dr. James Bradley (https://www.jbradleylab.com/ ).

 

The overall aim of our project is to resolve the composition, capabilities, and activities of atmospheric microbes at a global scale, to distinguish whether the atmosphere exhibits structure and microbial activity characteristic of a true ecosystem, or if it is simply a passive dispersal medium for microorganisms.

The postdoc will develop theoretical modelling approaches (including bioenergetics calculations and power-based ecosystem modelling) to investigate the potential habitability and ecological structure and function of microbial communities in the atmosphere. The initial focus for the postdoc is to model the habitability and ecological processes occurring in Earth’s atmosphere, and then to translate the tools and knowledge generated to the atmosphere of other planetary bodies or exoplanets.

 

The PDRA will develop, implement and apply microbial bioenergetics ecosystem modelling tools to study the atmosphere, including its resident microorganisms and its overall habitability. Modelling will focus on:

(i) Connecting the physicochemical characteristics of the atmosphere with its (potentially) resident microorganisms.

(ii) Determining plausible rates of energy-generating and energy-requiring reactions for atmosphere-dwelling microorganisms and assess catabolic and anabolic activity.

(iii) Combining various (biological, geochemical and geophysical) datasets to assess the survival and potential growth of atmosphere-dwelling microorganisms (using data generated by the project, as well as existing data).

(iv) Assessing habitability of Earth’s atmosphere and habitability indices of the atmospheres of other planetary bodies. 

 

The position is based at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography on the Luminy Campus of Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France. It is full time post for 2 years with the possibility of extension subject to available funds, with an expected start date in May 2024 or as soon as possible after that date. 

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr James Bradley ([email protected] ). 

To apply for the role, please email Dr. James Bradley ([email protected] ) and include the following attachments (in English):

A cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating your motivation for applying to this position, research interests, relevant skills, training and experience.
Curriculum vitae.
Copy of official transcript(s).
Contact information for at least two and up to 3 references.
 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and until the final deadline of 10 May 2024. Interviews (in-person or remotely via teleconference/zoom) are expected to be held in May 2024.

 

https://academicpositions.com/ad/aix-marseille-universite/2024/two-year…

 

 

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Aix-Marseille University

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://jobrxiv.org/job/mediterranean-institute-of-oceanography-aix-marseille-u…

Contact

Website

https://www.mio.osupytheas.fr/en

STATUS: EXPIRED