英国阿伯丁大学博士后职位招聘–微生物生态学方向
We seek to appoint an enthusiastic, interactive, and creative postdoctoral Research Fellow in Microbial Ecology to take a leading role in a Royal Society-funded project. The project is funded for 18 months, with opportunities for contract extension. This project integrates within a research group aiming to understand the ecological, physiological, and evolutionary mechanisms of microbial diversification and adaptation. Unravelling the processes of microbial adaptation during recent environmental changes (in temperature, moisture, pH, land use or agricultural management, for example) is essential to understand the generation and maintenance of microbial diversity and to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic perturbations.
Despite significant advances in understanding microbial community assembly and functioning in changing environments, most current studies typically provide “snap-shots” of microbial communities during environmental change without identifying the microbial life stage of the microbes. The distinction between growing, dormant and dead cells has been overlooked in microbial ecology, especially in archaea, while it is critical for understanding detailed adaptation mechanisms. Among those mechanisms, dormancy is likely key to maintaining microbial diversity. Indeed, microbes can enter dormancy to cope with environmental stresses, forming “seed banks” which can be further reactivated when further environmental change happens.
This project aims to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the rates of archaeal dormancy (entry to dormancy and resuscitation from dormancy) for several archaeal mesophilic phylogenetic lineages in multiple soil ecosystems subjected to diverse perturbations (e.g., temperature, pH, moisture, salinity). This project will test a range of hypotheses using time-series incubations of soil samples in controlled laboratory conditions in the presence of heavy-water labelled isotope, followed by stable-isotope probing (SIP), quantitative PCR and amplicon high-throughput sequencing. The applicant will be encouraged to propose other important hypotheses and ideas to be tested during the project timeframe. This project will contribute to the fundamental understanding of maintaining microbial diversity in multiple environments.
The post-doc will be responsible for the planning, design and execution of the research programme and should have expertise in qualitative and quantitative molecular approaches and an interest in ecological and evolutionary concepts and theory. The post also provides ample opportunities for high-level scientific training, publication and career advancement.
Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £36,333 – £43,155 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience.
Informal enquiries should be made to Prof. Cecile Gubry-Rangin, e-mail: c.rangin@abdn.ac.uk
Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.
To apply online for this position click ‘Apply’ above.
The School of Biological Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.
