microbial ecology | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans

PhD Fellowships in Molecular Microbial Ecology, Denmark

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

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PhD Studentship in Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Sweden

Aquatic microorganisms hold central roles in most biogeochemical cycles. In this PhD project we will study the roles played by bacteria and archaea in the transformation and metabolic use of quantitatively significant carbon compounds in lakes and oceans. For this purpose, we will use a combination of controlled experiments and advanced cultivation-independent methods for microscopic and sequence-based characterization of the ecology and metabolic features of aquatic microorganisms. The ability of different bacteria and archaea to use methane, chitin, proteins and other quantitatively important carbon compounds will be studied at the level of single cells.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a University degree in biology, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics or related discipline. Basic knowledge in microbiology and proficiency in oral and written communication in English is expected. Documented experience in bioinformatics and/or laboratory work will strengthen your application. Personal motivation and interest in the subject will also be used to select candidates for the position.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 March 2011

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Postdoctoral Position in Coastal Nitrogen Cycling at University of Southern Denmark 2011, Denmark

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to explore the nitrogen cycle in coastal waters with particular focus on the use of stable nitrogen isotopes to trace processes and establish budgets.The candidate will be integrated in the research group in microbial ecology lead by Professor
Bo Thamdrup and associated with the Nordic Center for Earth Evolution (NordCEE) at the Institute of Biology. Research in these units focuses broadly on the role of microbes in the biogeochemistry of aquatic systems, and on the evolution of microbes and environments during Earth’s history.

The candidate should have a strong background in either biogeochemistry or microbial ecology with a completed PhD by the project start date, and preferably with experience in working with stable isotopes. The application materials should include a copy of full transcripts, including grades, a statement of research interests and background, as well as two letters of recommendation.The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
The application must include the following:
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment and teaching experience.
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publication on which the applicant wishes to rely.
• A copy of full transcripts, including grades
• A statement of research interests and background
• Two letters of recommendation
• A list of all enclosures
The University encourages all interested persons to apply, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background.

Scholarship Application Deadline:1 April, 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application