Photo: Rachel A Foster

Project description

Biological N2 fixation, or the reduction of N2 to ammonia, is the major contributor of new nitrogen (N) in the global ocean which drives primary production and CO2 sequestration. To date, most N2-fixing planktonic symbioses have evaded long-term stable culture and thus our understanding of partner recognition, symbiosis establishment and symbiont colonization are largely unknown. Here, the proposed work relies on two newly isolated (<2 yrs) N2 fixing symbiotic systems involving diatoms as hosts and either a cyanobacteria or non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs as symbionts. The overarching goals of the proposed work is to determine the obligate nature and conditions that favor Diatom-N2 fixing bacteria to form symbioses.

Job duties

The successful applicant will mainly work with cultivation and maintenance of established co-cultures of diatoms and N2 fixing bacteria (cyanobacteria, bacteria), preparing samples for flow cytometry, implementation of stable isotope probing (SIP)-secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) experiments and chemotaxis assays. Sequencing of metagenomes and transcriptomes are also planned and include bioinformatic analyses using available pipelines and workflows. Methods such as laser micro capture, halogenated in situ hybridization (HISH)-SIMS, flow cytometry for single cell genome and transcriptome sequencing, and confocal laser scanning microscopy are planned in the project.  Training is available and planned for the various advanced methods. 

Eligibility requirements

Applicants are expected to have a doctoral degree awarded within 6 years of the time of admission. The selected candidate should have expertise and knowledge in cultivation and maintenance of diatom and bacteria cultures. A series of methodologies will be used in the proposed work and consequently the following skills are desirable: use of basic and/or advanced microscopy platforms (epi-fluorescence, CLSM), use and/or understanding of flow cytometry, basic molecular based analyses including kit based analysis (e.g. e.g. nucleic acid extractions, PCR, amplification kits), library preparations for barcoding and genome analysis. Previous experience with chemotaxis, stable isotopes, and fluorescent in situ hybridization are also good qualifications but not necessary. As a person, you are both motivated and committed.

Basis of assessment

The doctoral degree should have been completed no more than six years before the application date. The selection is based on documented experience, analysis methods included in the application, and publication history.

Terms of the stipend

The position is a full-time stipend and costs for the second year are only available after submission and approval from the funding Foundation based on a brief statement (1-2 pages) of the first year’s activities. Note that this is a tax-free stipend, with guest insurance from Kammarkollegiet. The Position has a planned start on February 1, 2025 or by agreement. 

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal opportunities for everyone.

Application

You apply for employment by sending your application as one compiled pdf direct to the project leader Rachel A Foster (contact details below) before 31 Dec 2024.

When you apply, we ask you to specify the following information attached as a single document or pdf:

• personal cover letter which describes briefly your motivation to apply for the position and what makes you suitable for the project.
• CV – degrees and other educations, work experience and list of publications, awards, and details on: contact, language skills, and contact information for 2–3 reference persons
• project plan/research plan (should not exceed 3 pages) describing: why and how you want to carry out the described project above.
• copy of proof of doctoral degree
• own publications that you wish to refer to (max. 3 files).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please feel free to contact Rachel A Foster if you have any questions regarding the application materials. 
Welcome with your application!