Your tasks and responsibilities:
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU Munich invites applications for this PhD position . The project is funded by DFG as part of the Priority Programme “Reconstructing the Deep Dynamics of Planet Earth over Geologic Time (DeepDyn)” :
The project aims to experimentally investigate the role of predatory protozoa on controlling the abundance, diversity, and physiology of magnetotactic bacteria. Magnetotactic bacteria produce magnetofossils that are an important proxy in geochronology, yet how their population sizes are controlled by predatory protozoa in nature are poorly understood. The prospective PhD candidate is expected to conduct quantitative DNA stable isotope probing experiments with wild type and genetically modified 13C-labeled magnetotactic bacteria to identify the predatory protists in freshwater and marine settings, as well as study the effect of acidic food vacuoles on magnetic properties of ingested magnetosomes from magnetotactic bacteria. The Geomicrobiology laboratory at LMU is equipped with all of the necessary state-of-the-art experimental equipment to complete the project objectives and will involve a close collaboration with the Chair of Microbiology at the University of Bayreuth and the Geomagnetism laboratory at LMU.
Your qualifications:
We are seeking candidates with knowledge and interest in environmental microbiology / protist ecology. Experience with experimental molecular microbiology from aquatic microbial communities is required. Experience with either protist ecophysiology and or DNA stable isotope probing are desirable. Applicants must hold a M.Sc. degree in Biological Life Sciences or in a relevant field.
Benefits:
Our workplace is centrally located in Munich and is very easy to reach by public transport. Our team welcomes new members and we offer you a dynamic, international and academically stimulating environment. LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer and committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty. We encourage female candidates to apply. This project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. William Orsi and is funded by DFG (75% TV-L-E13) for a fixed time period of three years with a probation period of six months.
People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.
Contact:
Applicants are asked to submit a complete set of application documents including a motivation letter (max. two pages), CV, copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts of record, and names and addresses of two referees to w.orsi@lrz.uni-muenchen.de.
Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled. For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. William Orsi E-Mail above.
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