The Faculty of Science, Department of Biology at Lund University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in Microbial Ecology.
Project Information
In the world of biology, the behavioural ecology of fungi remains largely unknown, providing enough opportunity to learn more about interactions between diverse living forms. Since fungi have not been the subject of numerous research studying biotic interactions, many concerns remain unanswered, particularly about how the interactions influence or govern fungal behaviours. Because of its modular body form and symbiotic relationships, fungi may exhibit unique behaviours in addition to those that are similar to those of other species in some cases. Our goal in this endeavour is to investigate this at the micro level.
For the multidisciplinary research environment at Lund University, they are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who works with microfluidics chips that are tailored to investigate the behaviours and interactions of microorganisms living in soil at the microscale. This particular research will investigate the relationships between fungi and plants as well as the mycoscale decision-making processes of fungal hyphae. The postdoc will be responsible for designing, assembling, and conducting experiments in microfluidic chips, hyphal growth, and resource allocation within the mycelium in order to close the knowledge gap about the effects of plant interactions and external stimuli on hyphal decision-making.
Duties
- Maintaining fungal cultures and root cultures with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
- Develop ecological theory around fungal foraging, resource allocation and decision-making in mycorrhizal systems.
- Develop and perform laboratory experiments with microfluidics chips.
- Establish and maintain plant microcosms for the study of mycorrhizal fungi.
- Design and manufacture microfluidic chips with the support of a microfluidics engineer.
- Microscopy of hyphal growth in microfluidics chip and image analysis of results.
- Write primary research articles, literature studies and research applications in collaboration with the PI.
- Attend and present at relevant conferences.
- Supervision of bachelor’s and master’s projects when available.
- Actively contribute to a positive and creative working environment in the group.
Qualification
PhD in a related field in a completed state or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. It should be completed not more than three years before the date of employment.
Requirements
- Experience handling microbiological samples in a sterile environment.
- Very excellent comprehension of English (written and spoken).
- Microscopy of hyphal growth in microfluidics chip and image analysis of results.
More is mentioned on the official website.
Deadline and Application
The deadline for the application is on 20 August 2024. For more information and application, visit the official website.
Last Modified: