The molecular microbial ecology group aims to recruit two highly qualified PhD candidates to conduct research and training in microbiology and biotechnology. More specifically, applications will be considered for two research programs:

1) Microbial Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics
The aim of this project is to further develop and improve the modern microbial metagenomics tools to uncover a range of novel enzymatic activities in a natural environment. In this project we will use high throughput sequencing to explore the bacterial biodiversity and composition in various natural environments to a hitherto unseen level.

2) Survival and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria
The aim of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of survival and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the childcare institutional environment. Formation of bacterial coatings on surfaces known as biofilms, may create micro-environments where bacteria can survive and possibly multiply in the external environment. Biofilms have also been shown to protect bacteria against disinfectants. A basic understanding of the overall incidence of bacteria and their lifestyles in institutional environments is therefore an indispensable prerequisite for successfully combating infection in institutional childcare.

The fellowships are open to both Danish and international applicants. We expect that applicants have obtained an MSc degree in biology or biochemistry, a good grasp of theoretical concepts, and some expertise in laboratory techniques used in molecular microbial ecology, DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Fluency in English is a requirement.

An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of successful candidates will be made by the supervisors, Søren Sørensen and Anders Priemé and by Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the evaluation committee. Successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen.

Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 300.174 per year (April 2010 level) plus pension contribution and the possibility to negotiate wage. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon Danish local time. Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidates are enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science by September 30, 2010.
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