Postdoc position in Microbial Activity by Single Cell Detection, Denmark

June 4, 2010

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Job Description:The overall objective of the proposed project is to establish a platform for more robust fermentation processes and production organisms by understanding and controlling heterogeneity. It is essential to optimise fermentation parameters for achieving the most efficient production process. In most research projects on this topic, the population of microorganisms was considered homogeneous. However, research has shown that a typical population of microorganisms in a fermentation is heterogeneous. Due to continued technological developments in different fields, for example in genetics and molecular biology (reporter systems), flow cytometry and microfluidics (micro-bioreactors), we have now finally reached a phase where the investigation of the effect of cultivation parameters on the heterogeneity of a microbial population has become possible, which is the focus of this project.

The central project hypothesis is that there exists an optimum level of heterogeneity leading to a robust fermentation process with sustained high productivity. To investigate this hypothesis, reporter systems for cell growth and productivity will be constructed for industrially relevant model organisms (E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which will allow to obtain a distribution of these properties for the population, e.g. by using flow cytometry. The effect of cultivation parameters on these properties will be investigated via experiments in continuous culture micro-bioreactors. Both physiological adaptations to the signals it perceives in the culture, and genetic change allowing selection of optimally adapted forms to conditions in the culture will be researched. Experimental results at microscale will be extrapolated to labscale and pilotscale.

The position is for 2 years and funded through a recently established international network project “POPCORN”. The project will be carried out at Section for Microbiology, Departmenet of Biology, University of Copenhagen. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Qualifications
We are looking for a skilled and competent molecular biologist with experience in bacterial activity detection at single cell level.
• Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or a similar degree
• Documented experience within FACS.
• Documented experience with fluorescent reporter gene technology in bacteria.
• It is preferred that the candidate has a good knowledge on activity staining technologies
• Documented experience within several gene-cloning techniques and molecular biology techniques in general.
• You will be able to cooperate well with your colleagues and enjoy both teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.

For further information, contact: Professor Søren J. Sørensen sjs@bio.ku.dk.

Application
The application must contain:
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- Motivation for applying
- Transcript of university examinations (in English)
- Contact details of 2 persons for references

An assessment committee will evaluate the applications. The applicant will be notified of the composition of the committee. Each applicant will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns her/him. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant. In addition experience with the effects of climate change on microbial processes in soil will be an advantage.

Terms of appointment and payment
in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). For post docs salary is based on seniority and is currently between 31,400 DKK and 33,000 DKK plus pension contribution and possibility to negotiate further supplement.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications

should be e-mailed as one pdf-file tovacancy@bio.ku.dk marked “j.no. 211-0016” no later than June 21, 2010 at 12:00 noon. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Further Scholarship Information