Researcher in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description
A researcher position in microbial ecology is available to work with Emma Kritzberg, associate professor in aquatic microbioloby, and Johannes Rousk, associate professor of soil microbiology at Lund University. The project will focus on microbial degradation of terrestrially produced plant biomass. The processing of terrestrial C is divided about equally between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and its decomposition is dominated by microorganisms. Thus, the microbial C-use is a critical parameter to predict the exchange of terrestrial C with the atmosphere. The work will include a systematic comparison of the C-use of decomposer microorganisms in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the relative importance of bacteria vs fungi to the processing of plant litter. In aquatic and terrestrial field and microcosm systems we will employ isotopic methods to determine the microbial C allocation between growth and respiration. In addition, differences in decomposition of plant material between terrestrial and aquatic systems and over time will be assessed by characterization of the remaining plant material. The project will be run in both aquatic microbial ecology (Kritzberg) and terrestrial microbial ecology (Rousk) research groups. The candidate will also be expected to assist in the supervision of Masters or Bachelor thesis project students, and visiting researchers, working on related projects.

Required qualifications

• The successful applicant will have completed a Ph.D. in microbial ecology, aquatic microbiology, soil microbiology, biogeochemistry, or equivalent, within 4 years
• The candidate will have excellent knowledge of microbial ecology and documented experience with laboratory methods relevant to the project, including the use of radio-isotope (14C and 3H) methods to assess microbial community processes in soil and water, and methods to characterize organic matter
• The candidate will have excellent language skills in English, in conversation and writing
• The candidate will have documented experience with conducting independent research projects, including all stages from design, via laboratory analyses and data interpretation, to final publication

Meriting

• If research experience includes working in aquatic and terrestrial systems   
• Documented experience of supervising research projects of undergraduate students
• Publications in international, peer-reviewed journals, with a leading role (i.e. first-author, and/or corresponding author) 

Application

Applicants will send a CV, cover letter and contact information for two people who are willing to give reference statements.