Postdoc in Metagenomics focusing on microbial communities in aquaculture

This is a postdoc opportunity where you will be able to use your skills in metagenomics and bioinformatics to understand and improve water treatment and food production. You will examine microbial communities in recirculating aquaculture systems to understand which microorganisms and environmental conditions lead to the production of off-flavour compounds.

Information about the project
In this postdoc project, you will work on samples collected from recirculating aquaculture systems. In such systems, the water is recirculated between the fish rearing tanks and advanced biological water treatment units such as moving bed biofilm reactors and sometimes vegetable cultivations. Microorganisms play important roles in all parts of the system, for example, by purifying the water. Some microorganisms are, however, responsible for production of off-flavour compounds such as geosmin and methylisoborneol, which give the fish an undesired taste and lead to large water consumption for depuration. In this project, we will use metagenomics and possibly other 'omics methods and laboratory experiments to investigate which microorganisms and conditions are responsible for off-flavour production.

The project will be carried out at the division Water Environment Technology (WET), Dept. of Architecture and Civil Engineering. As a postdoc, you will be part of the environmental biotechnology and wastewater engineering research group. We conduct research on biotechnologies for more efficient treatment and resource recovery from waste streams spanning from microbial ecology theory to process engineering. We develop new biotechnological processes and we investigate the fundamental science behind these processes. Examples of ongoing projects include anammox, microbial electrochemistry, aerobic granular sludge, and moving bed biofilm processes. Often, our projects are carried out in cooperation with municipalities, R&D companies, and consultancies. In this project, we collaborate with several fish farms in Sweden.

Major responsibilities
The research project involves analysing DNA and possibly RNA sequencing data from samples collected from fish farms. The goal is to reconstruct genomes from microorganisms in the samples and identify potential producers of off-flavour compounds. Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in the research group. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1). Currently, the position has funding for 1 year, it can however be extended to two years if funding can be secured.

Qualifications
You need a doctoral degree in applied microbiology/microbial ecology/environmental engineering/bioinformatics, or adjacent fields. The doctoral degree should not be older than six year. The successful candidate has experience in microbial community analysis using metaomics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics and/or proteomics) and bioinformatics. Knowledge about aquaculture and water/wastewater treatment processes is also meriting.

As a postdoc in our group, you are expected to work both independently and together with team members and new collaborators. You also need to be motivated and interested in problem-solving. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. The position requires communication skills in English in order to efficiently communicate scientific results in writing and verbally. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210510 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9938&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 31 December, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Oskar Modin, Water Environment Technology
Email: oskar.modin@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!