*PhD position in Microbial ecology at the INRA, Dijon (France) in the
group of L. Philippot*
*Location*: this project will mostly be carried out at the
INRA-University of Burgundy in Dijon (1.5 h from Paris), France
*Supervisor*: Dr L. Philippot and Dr. A. Spor
*Molecular analyses of denitrifier community ecology*
Large variations in N_2 O emissions are often reported in relation to
land use and management practices. However, abiotic variables alone do
not explain such variability and despite intensive studies of the
ecology of the nitrogen-cycling microbial communities involved in these
emissions, the importance of the abundance and diversity of soil
microorganisms remains largely unknown. Denitrifiers comprise a broad
range of taxonomically diverse microorganisms not only capable to
produce but also to reduce the greenhouse gas N_2 O. Thus, our objective
will be to understand to which extent the denitrifier community
composition is important for N_2 O emissions. Here, the distribution of
the denitrifier community will be analyzed in soil samples collected at
different experimental sites where /in situ/ N_2 O measurements are
available. We will use routine assays to quantify the abundances of the
denitrifiers by real-time PCR and cutting-edge techniques (454
pyrosequencing) already mastered in the lab to assess their diversity.
Potential denitrification and N_2 O reduction will also be evaluated in
the laboratory using gas chromatography. Various analyses will be
undertaken to integrate soil properties, microbiological data and N_2 O
flux.Altogether, this project will provide insights into the relative
contribution of biotic and abiotic factors to the production and
reduction of N_2 O in relation to land use and management practices. We
will explore the possibility to use this knowledge for identifying
sustainable farming systems with greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities.
*Our offer***
The PhD student will work in a performing and dynamic team including
several researchers, students, postdocs and technicians. As a PhD
student in NORA, you will also be part of a strong network of leading
scientists at universities and private companies in several European
countries. PhD courses organized by NORA will provide teaching by
experts in microbial molecular ecology, biochemistry and mathematical
modelling and will also include complementary training such as
scientific and popular writing, entrepreneurship, IPR and management.
Hours: Full time
Terms of appointment and payment will be according to the EU pay scale.
*Your profile*
The candidate should have a strong interest in environmental
microbiology and a MSc degree in microbiology, ecology, molecular
biology or a related field. Ideally, the candidate is acquainted with,
or has experience in molecular biology and techniques. The candidate
should be both independentand capable to interact with the team members.
Fluency in English is required.
To stimulate mobility, the EU rules for Marie Curie Training networks
say that you must not have resided, worked or studied in the country of
the host institution (France) for more than 12 months in the 3 years
prior to the time of recruitment (short stays are not taken into account).
Further details on eligibility can be found on
http://nora.umb.no/eligibility-criteria
*How to apply?*
Applications (including CV, transcripts, diplomas and the special NORA
Application form) should be sent to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.
More information about eligibility rules and how to apply for the
position is found http://nora.umb.no/fellowships
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Romain Barnard, Ph.D.
INRA / National Institute for Agricultural Research
UMR 1347 Agroecology
17 rue Sully BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
Tel: +33 (0)3 80 69 37 45
Fax: +33 (0)3 80 69 32 24
http://www6.dijon.inra.fr/umragroecologie_eng/Who-are-we/EcolDur/Teachers-Researchers/BARNARD-Romain
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