We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate with a strong interest in the microbial physiology of anaerobes. You should have good communication skills and be able to operate in a dynamic international research team.

PhD project: Characterisation of novel anaerobic bacteria in methane oxidising communities
There is an enormous untapped potential within the functionally diverse group of anaerobic microorganisms. Anaerobes are responsible for the turnover of a large part of macro- and microelements, and they are vital for the biogeochemical nitrogen, sulphur and methane cycles. In the environment, microorganisms do not operate in axenic cultures, but instead they form mixed communities with many different microbial members and complex interactions. In our lab we are interested in communities that anaerobically oxidise the potent greenhouse gas methane. By studying methane cycle microorganisms we aim to get better insights into their feedbacks to the global climate. In this project, you will investigate the physiology, genomics and microbial ecology of novel anaerobic bacteria found in microbial communities that perform the anaerobic oxidation of methane. You will investigate methane-oxidising communities using ‘omics’ techniques such as metagenomics and transcriptomics and measure physiological parameters using bioreactors and classical microbiological techniques. Gaining insights into the factors controlling the anaerobic oxidation of methane will aid in developing methane mitigation techniques. The project is part of the SIAM Gravitation Programme.

Relevant literature: Arshad et al. (2017) Environ Microbiol 19: 4965-4977; in ’t Zandt et al. (2019) Appl Environ Microbiol 85: pii: e01369-19

• An MSc degree in life sciences (biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular life sciences or a related area) with a focus on microbiology.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Willingness and ability to develop the skills necessary to become an independent scientist (growth mindset).
• Knowledge of basic microbiological methods is essential.
• Experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques is an advantage (serum bottle / Hungate / Balch tube technique; use of anaerobic hood).
• Experience in metagenomics (e.g. during a course or research project) is an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• Employment: 40 hours per week.
• The starting salary is €2.325,-per month on a full-time basis, the salary will increase to €2.972,- per month in the fourth year (P-scale).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: 4 years.
• Your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

Microbiology is one of the research priority areas of Radboud University and has won many prestigious awards including three ERC Advanced Grants, a Spinoza Prize and two Gravitation Grants. We offer a dynamic research environment in a group with a strong international profile, state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, strong national and international collaborations, and the possibility to further develop your scientific education with a large variety of courses, trainings and conferences.

The Faculty of Science is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.