PhD fellowship in Geomicrobiology

PhD Project in Minerals in the Plastisphere: Mineral-plastic surface interactions across scale

Applications are welcome for a three-year PhD position at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The position is funded by a Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens: Accelerate Grant to Associate Professor Nicole Posth on the topic of “Minerals in the Plastisphere: influence on biological interactions and plastic degradation.”

Start date is expected to be 1 August 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
The introduction of plastic debris into the ocean has created a new ecological niche named the Plastisphere. The Plastisphere is constructed of bacteria, fungi, organic debris, minerals, metals, and salts that influences the transport of plastic particles, and harbors colonizers and plastic-degrading microorganisms. Metals and minerals are formed on the plastic surface or are embedded in the biofilm matrix. As such, the complex mineral and microbial structure of the Plastisphere has potential as a highly reactive surface. At the same time, plastics break down in the environment to the micro and nano scale. These plastic particles have the potential to interact with biomineralization processes in water and sediment.

This study will explore mineral-plastic surface interactions across scale; how minerals form and influence microbial attachment (µm scale) on plastic debris (cm scale cups, bags) and how nanoplastics (nm) adhere to or aggregate with microorganisms that form biomineral shells (µm scale). To this end, we will combine advanced microscopy methods with microbiological, geochemical and mineralogical approaches in the laboratory.

Who are we looking for?
As part of their work, the candidate will design and carry out laboratory experiments in biotic and abiotic systems. As a PhD fellow, they will culture microorganisms in the laboratory, carry out microbial and geochemical assays, and perform advanced microscopy. As such, the selected candidate will have a strong affinity for and experience in geomicrobiology, marine microbiology, and/or aqueous biogeochemistry, and will have completed their MSc in a relevant discipline; i.e., geomicrobiology, marine microbiology, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry. Practical skills in microbial culturing techniques, geochemical analyses, microscopy and/or interfacial geochemical methods are highly desirable. The PhD Fellow will join a team and will work closely with both lab members and collaborators, meaning they should have an aptitude and passion for laboratory work. Creativity, curiosity, independent thinking, good communication skills in English, and the ability to work in a team are all vital qualities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of their research project in coordination with the supervisor and other members of the group. They may be involved in the training and co-supervision of staff members/students and the position may include performance of additional duties such as teaching and outreach. 

Our group and research
The PhD research will be carried out in the Geomicrobiology lab established within the Sedimentary Systems Group (SedSys) in the section of Geology at IGN. The selected candidate will be integrated into a team of Postdocs, PhDs, MScs and project students working on various aspects of microbe-plastic interactions and geomicrobiological processes in Earth evolution. The project will be in close collaboration with researchers at the Globe Institute (UCPH) and the NanoSYD/Mads Clausen Institute (University of Southern Denmark-SDU). In addition, the lab collaborates with research groups in the IGN-Geography, Marine Biology-UCPH, the Natural History Museum of Denmark, and the Geological Survey of Denmark & Greenland, among others.  For more information, please refer to: www.posthlab.com and https://ign.ku.dk/english/research/geology/sedimentary-systems/

Principal supervisor: Associate Professor Nicole Posth, Department of Geosciences & Natural Resource Management, E-mail: [email protected]

The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project as outlined above. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fate of plastic as an environmental pollutant
• Strong English language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 19 April 2023, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right to not consider material received after the deadline, and to not consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Application procedure
After the deadline for submission has passed, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified after this phase, whether your application will be passed on for assessment.

The assessor will determine the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements and conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Select candidates will then be invited for interviews.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all interested, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. 

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.

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.