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

Post-doctoral fellow in microbial ecology studying plant-fungal interactions at the micro-scale.

Subject description

Fungal behavior is an emerging frontier in biology where there is still much to learn about the organization and interactions between life-forms in nature. Few experiments have studied fungal biotic interactions from the perspective of the fungi, and because of this, there are still many unresolved questions, particularly in relation to how fungal behavior is affected or governed by the interactions. While some fungal behaviors may be analogous to those of other organisms, fungi might also have unique and emergent behaviors due to their indeterminate modular body form and symbiotic interactions. In this project we intend to explore this at the microscale.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our vibrant and interdiciplinary research community at Lund University working with microfluidic soil chips to study interactions and behaviors of soil microbes at the micro-scale. This specific project will delve into the field of plant fungal interactions and fungal decision making at the hyphal scale. The postdoc will work with developing, setting up and running experiments in plant microcosms and microfluidic chips, monitoring hyphal growth and resource allocation – bridging the knowledge gap of how decision making at the hyphal scale is affected by external stimuli and plant interactions.

Work duties

The main duty of the post-doctoral position is to conduct research. In this position, that consists of designing, setting up and running laboratory experiments to study micro-scale processes in mycorrhizal interactions, analyzing related data and scientific writing. You will get hands on experience with fabricating and setting up microfluidic soil chips and mycorrhizal microcosms, be part of developing ecological theory for mycorrhizal ecology and work with advanced microscopy and image analysis to process results. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position further includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Work duties:

• Maintaining pure fungal cultures and root-organ cultures with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
• Developing ecological theory around fungal foraging behavior, resource partitioning and decision making in mycorrhizal systems.
•  Developing and executing laboratory experiments using microfluidic chip setups.
•  Setting up and maintaining plant microcosms for studying mycorrhizal fungi.
•  Designing and fabricating microfluidic chips with support from a microfluidic engineer.
•  Microscopy of fungal growth in microfluidic chips and image analysis of results.
•  Writing primary research papers, litterature reviews and grant proposals in collaboration with the PI.
• ·Attending and presenting at relevant conferences.
• ·Supervising bachelor and master’s projects when available.
• Actively contributing to a positive and creative working atmosphere in the group.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral 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.

Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject areas of fungal ecology, mycorrhizal ecology, plant fungal interactions, microbial ecology and microbiology, but other subject areas may also be considered if they are considered relevant to the project.

Additional requirements:

• Documented ability to develop and carry out high quality research.
•  Experience in working under sterile conditions with microbiological samples.
•  Very good English proficiency (written and oral).
•  Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
•  Strong ability to work in a team setting, collaborating efficiently with colleagues to achieve common goals.

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 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 postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.
•  Experience in culturing laboratory strains of fungi is a merit.
• Experience in working with mycorrhizal fungi is a merit.
• Documentation of successful completion of previous research projects.
•  Experience in advanced microscopy and image analysis using ImageJ is a merit. A strong willingness to learn and develop further skills for image analysis is essential.
•  Programming Skills: Basic experience or familiarity with coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or R is preferred. Any foundational coding knowledge will be considered beneficial.
• Problem solving ability, technical, analytical and organizational skills will be taken in consideration.
• 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.

Terms of employment

This is a fulltime, fixed term employment of a maximum 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.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

· Résumé/CV, including a list of publications (no more than three pages).

· A personal letter including a statement about why you are interested in this position, a general description of your past research and an outlook on future research interests (no more than two pages).

· Contact information for at least two references.

· Copy of one of your publications that you believe well demonstrates your scientific writing including a separate statement (max half a page) about what your role was in the making of the study/publication.

· Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.