Two PhD Scholarships in Microbial Chemical Ecology

Two PhD places in the field of Microbial Chemical Ecology are available at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The jobs are linked to the Center for Microbial Secondary Metabolites (CeMiSt – https://cemist.dtu.dk/), a Center of Excellence supported by the Danish National Research Foundation. Both posts involve research in the field of microbial natural product chemistry, specifically in the area of analyzing the interactions between bacteria that produce secondary metabolites. Young chemists who are ambitious and have a strong interest in chemical ecology and microbial natural product chemistry would be a good fit for these roles. The chance to study the natural functions of natural goods using cutting-edge analytical equipment will be provided to the selected candidates.

Employer: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Location: Copenhagen, Hovedstaden (DK)
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: December 29, 2023
Discipline: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Life Science
Job Type: PhD Studentship
Employment – Hours: Full time
Duration: Fixed term
Qualification: Masters
Sector: Academia

PhD Position #1 (In-Situ Detection):

• Focus on the detection of microbial secondary metabolites from marine and soil environments.
• Aim to understand how these metabolites affect microbial diversity and functionality.
• Main analytical approaches include the development of new sampling techniques for trapping and detecting trace amounts of microbial metabolites.
• Use high-resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation, including LC-MS, MALDI imaging, and NMR spectroscopy.

• Two PhD Scholarships in Microbial Chemical Ecology
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PhD Position #2 (Biotransformations):

• Focus on elucidating the chemical fate (e.g., biotransformations) of secondary metabolites in microbial communities.
• Evaluate the phenomenon from a chemical perspective.
• Emphasis on natural products chemistry and big data handling.
• Extensive use of microbial extractions and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and MALDI-ToF MS).

Responsibilities and Qualifications:

• Use a variety of methods for targeted and untargeted analysis to find traces of recognized secondary metabolites in natural environments.
• Separate and clarify unidentified secondary metabolites.
• Analyze the metabolomics of several species of microbial model systems in comparison.
• Utilizing databases and software, identify chemicals.
• possess a thorough understanding of metabolomics based on LCMS and MALDI, as well as expertise in multivariate analysis and experimental design.
• possess a two-year master’s degree in a related subject, or an equivalent.

• PhD Student Position in Chemistry with a Focus on Environmental Chemistry
• PhD Fellowship in Biophysics – University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• PhD Fellowship in Soil Microbial Ecology: Unraveling Microbial Secrets in Wheat Roots
• Fully Funded PhD Position: Investigating Microbial Methane Cycling in Aquatic Ecosystems
• PhD Scholarship in Fish Ecology and Biology at DTU Aqua, Denmark

We Offer:

• An opportunity to work at DTU, a globally recognized technical university.
• Challenging and rewarding work in an international environment.
• Scholarships for PhD studies that are subject to academic approval and enrollment in one of DTU’s general degree programs.
• A competitive salary and appointment terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The employment period is 3 years.

Further Information: For details about these positions, you can contact:

• Associate Professor Ling Ding (lidi@dtu.dk)
• Professor Thomas Ostenfeld Larsen (tol@bio.dtu.dk)
• Aaron John Christian Andersen (ajca@dtu.dk)
• Center Leader Lone Gram (gram@bio.dtu.dk)

Application:

The deadline for submitting your completed online application is December 29, 2023, Danish time. A letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, grade transcripts, diploma for your BSc or MSc degree, and data from at least two references are required for applications. Please indicate the project from the offered list of PhD projects you are applying for.

It is urged of all interested parties to apply, irrespective of age, gender, handicap, ethnicity, religion, or ethnic heritage. Click this link to apply online and for application details. Applications that are not complete will not be accepted. Candidates may submit an application prior to earning their master’s degree, but they cannot begin before doing so.