PhD Scholarship in Marine Bacterial Biotechnology Denmark

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October 12, 2008

PhD Scholarship in Marine Bacterial Biotechnology

A PhD scholarship (3 years) in marine bacterial biotechnology is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Section for Aquatic Microbiology and Seafood Hygiene, with starting date January or early 2009.

DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical University of Denmark. The institute is involved in research, education and advice related to the aquatic environment. The institute has an international research staff comprising approx. 120 academic employees in aquatic and fisheries sciences, food technology and microbiology. The aquatic microbiology research focuses on microbial ecology, fish and human pathogens and bioactive marine bacteria.

Microorganisms and their products are valuable in food- and biotechnology being used as food preservatives, disinfectants, immunostimuli or antibiotics. Mankind has a constant need for novel antibacterial compounds as bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to well-known compounds such as antibiotics. The Section for Aquatic Microbiology and Seafood Hygiene at DTU Aqua participated in the entire Galathea 3 expedition which circumnavigated the globe on a nine-month voyage in 2006/07. During this research cruise, the group has acquired a unique global collection of biologically active, marine bacteria which forms the core of the material for the PhD project.

The PhD project will focus on the influence of environmental parameters on the production of bioactive compounds (pigments, extracellular polymers, antibiotic active substances) from marine bacteria identified as species belonging to Pseudoalteromonas, Ruegeria and Vibrio. Also, the project will evaluate potential use of such compounds as inhibitory substances against pathogenic bacteria or as agents preventing biofilm formation. Potentially, the project will, in collaboration with the postdoctoral fellowship, probe into molecular aspects of the production of bioactivity, e.g. by generating transposon libraries and isolating non-producing mutants.

The PhD student will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow , other microbiologists at DTU Aqua and, with natural product chemists at DTU Systembiology that are in charge of extraction of bioactive compounds and structure elucidation. The project is part of a larger collaboration focusing on the collection of bacteria from Galathea 3 and their bioactive potential. This collaborative effort also involves scientists from University of Copenhagen, University of Southern Denmark, Chr. Hansen A/S and nature&science aps. The partners study other aspects of the bioactive bacteria, such as their interaction with immune cells or their specific interference with bacterial virulence.

Required skills for the PhD scholarship:

* A master’s degree (M.Sc.) in microbiology, biotechnology, civil engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a master’s degree in microbiology
* A keen interest in research especially microbiology and the ability to be self motivated
* Good applied skills in e.g. bacterial physiology and ecology. Proficiency in written and spoken English

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled at the DTU Aqua PhD School. Information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies can be obtained from the DTU web: http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Phd_Education.aspx.

Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD students.

Further information:
The project will be supervised by Research Professor Lone Gram gram@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 4525 2586.
General information may be obtained from Helge Abildhauge Thomsen, hat@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 2048 6264, or Nina Qvistgaard, niq@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 4048 7790

Application:
Applications should be submitted – preferably by e-mail – as one single pdf-file to aqua@aqua.dtu.dk Applications must include a curriculum vitae (including a list of international publications and poster presentations) and documentation of a completed master’s degree including grades. Please indicate you applying for the PhD in marine bacterial biotechnology. Furthermore the applications should include personal thoughts and ideas for the PhD study. We appreciate if you can provide a few references (supervisors, employers). The application can be submitted by postal mail and should be sent to DTU Aqua, Jægersborg Allé 1, 2920 Charlottenlund.

The application marked “PhD in marine bacterial biotechnology” must be received no later than Friday 7th November 2008 at noon.

All interested candidates irrespective of gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Aqua carries out research, education and advice related to sustainable, effective, and quality oriented exploitation of living aquatic resources. DTU Aqua covers a wide range of research disciplines and delivers research based education and advice to authorities and industry. DTU Aqua has approx. 320 staff members at locations in Charlottenlund, Lyngby, Hirtshals and Silkeborg. For further information please see www.aqua.dtu.dk

Scholarship Tags: Bacterial, Biotechnology, Denmark, Marine, PhD, Scholarship