Job NIOZ - PhD student “Compound specific hydrogen isotopes as indicator of core metabolisms of benthic microorganisms in the Wadden Sea”

In this project we will develop, test and apply compound specific hydrogen isotopes as a novel tool to establish the core metabolisms of benthic marine microorganisms. For this, different organisms with different core metabolisms and the same organisms expressing different metabolisms need to be cultivated and the hydrogen isotopic composition of their lipids will be analyzed. This will be used to link microorganisms to a core metabolism in situ. The hydrogen isotopic composition of general lipids, such as short chain fatty acids, will be analyzed to be able to assess the dominant core metabolism(s) of whole microbial communities in environmental samples. Besides different metabolisms, the effects of other environmental factors need to be evaluated as well, as they may also impact D/H fractionation. This hydrogen isotope method for establishing core metabolisms in environmental samples will be compared with results obtained from stable isotope labeling of lipids and DNA to study microbial activity in Wadden Sea sediments.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative person with a degree in biology, environmental science or geosciences. Experience with microbiology, cultivation of microorganisms, molecular biology and fluency in English are prerequisites. We expect that the candidate will successfully complete a PhD thesis.

A full-time PhD position for 4 years, a pension scheme, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus 8,33 % and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of Research Institutes.  NIOZ offers help with housing and has allowances for relocation and refurbishment cost etc.

The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is the leading research institute in the Netherlands for the basic marine sciences. Five departments (Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Organic Biogeochemistry, Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology) carry out the multidisciplinary research of the institute. Approximately 250 persons are currently appointed at the NIOZ. NIOZ has a large variety of instrumentation and is operating modernly equipped research vessels for coastal and ocean studies. The institute is located on the Wadden Island of Texel, close to the mainland.

The department of Marine Organic Biogeochemistry (department chair: Prof. Dr. Jaap Sinninghe Damsté) which studies the application of biomarkers lipids for reconstruction of microbial communities and paleo-environments.

Further information: on the project and the position can be obtained from Dr. Marcel van der Meer (marcel.van.der.meer@nioz.nl, +31-222-369568), Dr. Stefan Schouten (Stefan.schouten@nioz.nl) +31-222-369565 or otherwise from Jolanda Evers, Human Resources (Email: Jolanda.evers@nioz.nl, phone +31-222-369371). Please only use these email addresses for questions/information and not to send in your application. General information about NIOZ can be found at: http://www.nioz.nl