molecular microbial ecology | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans

PhD Fellowships in Molecular Microbial Ecology, Denmark

/ April 11, 2011 Leave a Comment

The aim of this research project is to further develop and improve the modern microbial metagenomics tools to study natural microbial communities. In this project we will use high throughput sequencing to study the composition of bacterial communities in various natural environments with great resolution.
Furthermore, the project includes studies of the presence and evolution of plasmid-borne traits in different natural habitats in order to resolve the role of the mobile gene pool in microbial adaptation. We are specifically interested in studying the effect of anthropogenic activity on the evolution and prevalence of multi resistant bacteria.

We expect that the 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 will be made by the supervisors, Søren J. Sørensen and Lars H. Hansen and the 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.

Scholarship Application Deadline:14 April 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

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Two Ph.D. Fellowships for International Students in Molecular Microbial Ecology, Denmark

/ August 24, 2010 Leave a Comment

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.
Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com/two-ph-d-fellowships-for-international-students-in-molecular-microbial-ecology-denmark/2010/08/05/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ScholarshipPositions+%28International+Scholarships+and+Financial+Aid+Positions%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail#ixzz0xXOfeVeW

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PhD Scholarships in Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology, Denmark Technical University

/ August 23, 2010 Leave a Comment

The scholarships are supported by several research grants (MIRESOWA, DW Biofilter, Ecodesign MBR) with the objective to develop and optimize biotechnological solutions for drinking water and wastewater handling.

The drinking water projects have a specific emphasis on analyzing and optimizing biological rapid sand filtration technologies for both bulk and trace pollutant removal. The wastewater project has a specific emphasis on analyzing and optimizing autotrophic N removal in membrane-bioreactors. In both projects, candidates are sought with training and interest in one or more of the following: molecular microbial ecology, bioprocess engineering, and process modeling.

The successful candidates will be employed at DTU Environment within the framework of the Urban Water Technology graduate school (www.urbanwatertech.dk), and work under the supervision of the PIs and post-doctoral associates. DTU Environment offers state-of-the art chemical, microbial, and biomolecular analytical facilities, process laboratories, and equipment to execute this project. These project benefits from several interactions (and possible research exchanges) with other leading research groups in DK, EU, and USA and interactions with leading-edge technology providers.

This research is supported by the projects MIRESOWA, DW Biofilter, and EcoDesign MBR, funded by the Danish Council for Strategic Research (DSF).

The 6 PhD scholarships
PhD1: Molecular mapping of the diversity of ammonia and iron/manganese oxidizing bacteria at full-scale biological rapid sand filters.

PhD 2 & 3: Analysis and optimization of conditions that drive biological ammonia or iron/manganese removal in bench-scale rapid sand filters.

PhD 4: Model-based Analysis and Optimization of biological rapid sand filters at pilot and full-scale.

PhD 5: Trace pollutant removal via bioreactive barriers in groundwater extraction wells: Characterization and enhancement of microbial processes

PhD 6: Molecular and microscopic analysis of spatial and metabolic interactions in nitritation/annamox bioaggregates

Qualifications
The successful candidates will have a high motivation for research and solid written and oral communication skills. The applicants will enjoy working in and contributing to an international and cross-disciplinary research team. English is the operational language of the department.

At the date of appointment, candidates must have obtained a M. Sc. in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Microbial Ecology or related discipline, evidence of research experience, and significant exposure to one or more of the following fields: basic molecular microbiology; microbial ecology; mathematical modeling and computational analysis applied to environmental/microbial systems; bioreactor technology.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students.
The positions are available for a three-year period with start from 1 September 2010 or as soon as possible.


Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com/phd-scholarships-in-environmental-engineeringbiotechnology-denmark-technical-university/2010/08/10/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ScholarshipPositions+%28International+Scholarships+and+Financial+Aid+Positions%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail#ixzz0xQ0KFlOv

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