Post-doctoral fellow in microbial ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Soils store much more carbon (C) than the atmosphere and the living biosphere together, and microorganisms play an important role to govern whether C compounds remain in the soil, or whether they are disintegrated back to CO2. An important mechanism of long-term C storage is the physical stabilization of organic matter within the soil structure, meaning that C can be “hidden” from its decomposers in the complex matrix of soil aggregates, but the processes involved are not well understood.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow for an interdisciplinary project in microbial ecology at the Department of Biology, Lund University.  The project focuses on performing experiments in microfluidic models for the physical and chemical heterogeneity simulating soil microhabitats. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with microfluidic engineers, and microspectroscopists. You will be part of an active research group at the Department of Biology https://www.biology.lu.se/research/research-groups/microbial-ecology and collaborate with engineers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering http://bme.lth.se/research-pages/nanobiotechnology-and-lab-on-a-chip/. The cross-disciplinary environment will provide the candidate with ample possibilities to learn new skills and methods ranging from biology to engineering.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

 Work duties include:

• Design and perform soil microbial experiments in microfluidic chips
• Design and perform experiments with soil systems
• Culture laboratory strains of bacteria and fungi
• Contribute to the development of automated image analysis and self-learning algorithms for microscopy data from the chips
• Perform molecular analysis on soil microbes
• Work in tight collaboration with an engineer that develops microscale heterogeneity, both physical and chemical, in microfluidic chips
• Work in collaboration with a postdoc at MaxLab IV, providing samples for synchrotron analysis
• Actively contribute to a positive and creative working atmosphere in the group

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier  (this may be adjusted based on, for example, documentation of parental leave or military service).

Additional requirements:

• Very good proficiency in written and communicated English
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with other members of the research team

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a research career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Experience in culturing laboratory strains of bacteria and fungi under sterile conditions is a merit
• Experience with microfluidic model systems is a merit
• Experience in image analysis, modeling and self-learning algorithms is a merit
• Experience in molecular analysis of soil microbes is a merit
• Documented ability to develop and carry out high-quality research
• Documentation of successful completion of research projects
• High intellectual capacity and problem-solving ability Technical and analytical know-how, organization skills
• Enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to work both independently and embedded in a team

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of  2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Contac Edith Hammer (edith.hammer@biol.lu.se) for further information.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Motivation letter
• Résumé/CV, including date of public PhD thesis defense or equivalent, title of the thesis, previous appointments, current position, academic distinctions and special expertise
• Full list of publications General description of past research and future research interests (no more than one page)
• Names, relation to and contact information of 2 professional references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.