PostDoc position (f/m/x) in microbial ecology of N and C cycling

Looking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to examine biological interactions of nitrifiers and methanotrophs

Position: The position will be based in the Department of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, located in Budweis, Czechia. The position is planned to start 1st March, but the starting date is flexible until early summer 2023. The initial offer is for 1 year and can be extended for up to 2.5 years (until December 2025). Full time position, 40 hours per week. The gross salary is 50.700 CZK per month with the possibility of a 5% raise per year.

Area of work: Nitrifiers and methanotrophs are microbial guilds responsible for aerobic transformation of reactive nitrogen and oxidation of methane, respectively. Both processes are fundamental ecosystem functions linked to nutrient cycling and global change. We hypothesize that interactions between these two guilds substantially contribute to the modulation of process rates. However, such interactions have hardly been investigated. The project aims to expose the cause and nature of interactions between nitrifiers and methanotrophs and quantify their ecological impact. It is planned to employ a unique combination of multidisciplinary techniques, i.e. high-throughput sequencing, stable isotope incubations with integrated approaches of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, single cell sorting, and metaproteomics with synthetic microbial consortia. Collectively, these approaches are poised to gather a deep understanding of the links between carbon and nitrogen cycling to eventually be able to predict and mitigate climate change and protect Earths ecosystems.

Expectations and requirements: We are looking for a highly motivated and independently working scientist with strong interest in collaborative & fundamental microbial ecology research. Applicants must hold a Doctorate degree in Microbial Ecology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or alike. They should further have a strong conceptual and practical background on the application of molecular techniques for characterizing the identity and ecophysiology of microbial community members. Experience in one or more of the following areas/techniques will be of advantage: microbial ecology of nitrifying or methane oxidizing microorganisms, amplicon/metagenome/metatranscriptome sequencing and the associated bioinformatics, isotope labelling of uncultivated microbes, and cultivation of chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms. Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

We welcome your application regardless of age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. We promote equality of the sexes, therefore, women are given priority in case of equal qualifications and professional performance. We expressly welcome applications from people with a migration background.

Application deadline: Please apply until 31st January 2023.

How to apply: Please send an email (subject: Postdoc MiE) to Dr. Anne Daebeler, anne.daebeler@bc.cas.cz containing a detailed CV (including a brief description of research interests, previous employments, and publication list), reprints of your two most important published articles, and contact details of two references (letters of recommendation are optional). Applications should be sent as a single pdf-document. Please abstain from sending application portraits.

Application deadline:
Start date: Flexible
Location: Budweis, Czech Republic