The laboratory of genetics in microbial ecology (GEM Lab), headed by Dr. Jiri Barta, is looking for highly motivated, creative and enthusiastic PhD students to join a team of international researchers.
The focus of the lab is to characterize the role of soil microorganisms in the changing climate of the Arctic region. The Artic is changing rapidly (e.g. temperature, moisture, vegetation cover) and we want to know how soil microorganisms will respond to these changing conditions, and how they will influence the emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O to the atmosphere. The majority of soil organisms in the Arctic live in permanently frozen soil (permafrost), which thaws to a deeper depth every year thus stimulating soil microbial activity. There are also very specific cryogenic processes (i.e. cryoturbations) which influence the diversity and functioning of soil microorganisms. Cryoturbations lead to the burial of soil organic matter deeper into the permafrost where it is persistent to rapid biological decomposition. However recent climate changes in the Arctic are making the cryoturbated organic matter available for soil microbes and their metabolism. There are very few studies focusing on microbial communities in arctic cryoturbated organic matter. It is still not clear which microbes are active in cryoturbations nor which microbial guilds respond to increasing temperature. It is totally unknown how the cryoturbated microbial community will respond if it will again be in contact with arctic vegetation and its root system, and how it will influence the emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O into the atmosphere. Successful candidates will be involved in a new research project called MiCryoFun (Microbes in Cryoturbations and their Functioning), under the direct supervision of Dr. Jiri Barta. Working in the team of Dr. Barta will offer the candidate the opportunity to acquire and/or deepen his/hers experience in molecular biology and genetics of microorganisms, microbial isolation and identification, analyses of microbial communities and their interactions and state-of-the-art tools including: quantitative PCR, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, soil enzyme activities, fluorescent labeling, and bioinformatics. Four years is the typical length of PhD studies although this may vary. We offer a dynamic working environment, stimulating scientific surrounding in a young, enthusiastic, motivated team and the opportunity to work on a high-impact project. If you are interested in more information about arctic cryoturbations, please visit the webpages of our previous project CryoCARB (http://www.univie.ac.at/cryocarb/ ). Profile - Applicants should hold a Master degree in microbiology, soil microbiology, molecular biology or related discipline. - Motivated students of all nationalities with strong commitment to soil microbiology are invited to apply. - Any experience in bioinformatics and microbial genetics, etc. is an advantage - The candidate should have well-developed social skills and be able to work in a team. - Applicants should have good communication skills in spoken and written English How to apply? Applications for this PhD position should be submitted to [email protected] Your application file should contain a motivation letter, CV and publication list (if applicable), a summary of your previous research experience, your marks and degrees during your Master studies and a reference letter from the promoter of your master thesis. University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice Faculty of Science Department of Ecosystem Biology Laboratory of Genetics in Microbial Ecology (GEM Lab) Branisovska 1760 37005 Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic -- Open WebMail Project (http://openwebmail.org) WebMail PRF JCU
