Postdoc in Ecology emphasis in Marine Ecology and Marine Microbial Ecology

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The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The research activities within this multidisciplinary department include the areas of aquatic ecology, cell and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science and environmental engineering as well as zoonotic ecology.

The Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS) at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences now seeks a postdoctoral fellow in Ecology.

 

Project title

Interactions between filamentous cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria

The research project focuses on ecological and evolutionary interactions between filamentous cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria in the Baltic Sea. The most widely known cyanobacterial toxin - the non-ribosomal peptide (NRP) nodularin - is produced by Nodularia spumigena and is a threat to both human and animal health. Recently, other NRPs have been detected in N. spumigena that are not acutely toxic but inhibit the activity of important metabolic enzymes. Curiously, natural selection has favoured a large array of individual NRP structures, but little is known about the distribution and ecological function of these peptides. Nodularin negatively affects plankton life, including zooplankton and fish larvae, but other NRPs might rather be signaling molecules (e.g. involved in quorum sensing-population density control) or have antibacterial properties. The late summer blooms in the Baltic Proper are among the largest toxic cyanobacterial blooms in the world, covering up to 50% of the sea surface, and blooms can take weeks up to months to decline and sediment. The project aims to understand the role of cyanobacterial exudates (NRPs) on the dynamics of the degradative capabilities of heterotrotrophic bacteria, and their implications for C and N biogeochemical cycles in the Baltic Proper.

The EEMiS environment is a centre of excellence within Linnaeus University involving larger teams of multidisciplinary researchers. Therefore, the successful applicant will interact with ongoing research projects within EEMiS.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (no older than 3 years) in marine biology, microbial ecology or marine environmental science, experience in marine/freshwater microbial communities’ ecology and in bacterial transcriptomics and/or bioinformatics applied to DNA or RNA sequence analysis (comparative genomics, metagenome analysis, phylogeny, microbial diversity and evolution).

Other criteria

Competences in peptide analysis, flow cytometry, and/or statistical analyses using the R environment would also be appreciated but may be acquired on site. Because the project involves a collaborative partnership, strong organizational, communication, writing, and people skills are essential. 

Postdoctoral positions are limited to 2 years (100%). The position is located in Kalmar, Sweden. For further information, please contact

Catherine Legrand (catherine.legrand@lnu.se) or Jarone Pinhassi (jarone.pinhassi@lnu.se) +46-(0)480-447309; (contract) Head of Department Tommy Claesson (tommy.claesson@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-446238; or Personnel Officer Ulrika Petersson (ulrika.petersson@lnu.se) +46-(0)480-446996.
Union representatives may be contacted via the university switchboard at +46-772-288000.

The application (in English) should contain a CV (with telephone and e-mail), documentation of exams and grades, a description of motivation and experiences relevant to the research project and any other documentation that the applicant would like to present. The candidates should also organize at least two letters of recommendation (with the authors telephone number and e-mail).

Closing date for application is April 10, 2014.
Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.