Are you fascinated by the world of microbiology and environmental sciences? Do you thrive in the dynamic blend of laboratory experiments and fieldwork adventures? If your passion lies in unravelling the mysteries of microbial greenhouse gas emissions and pioneering strategies for their mitigation, then we have an extraordinary opportunity for you. Embark on an exciting PhD journey where you will explore the fascinating field of anaerobic methane oxidation and its multifaceted environmental implications, unlocking its vast biotechnological potential. This is not just any doctoral position: it is a chance to be at the forefront of groundbreaking research that promises to reshape our understanding of microbial processes in changing ecosystems and pave the way for sustainable solutions.
Join our collaborative and internationally renowned team of passionate scientists in which innovation thrives and curiosity knows no bounds. Seize this unparalleled opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world while nurturing your own academic and professional growth.
On the one hand, microorganisms such as methanogens are key players in greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophs act as a biofilter by oxidising methane and decreasing its emissions into the atmosphere. In this PhD project, you will explore the complex interactions of microorganisms shaping our planet's methane cycle, delving into key aspects that are pivotal in understanding and mitigating climate change. Your investigations will encompass:
- Exploring the impact of global warming on methane cycling and diving into the repercussions of climate change (e.g. increased salinisation of coastal ecosystems), unravelling its effects on microbial communities and ecosystem dynamics.
- Unveiling the role of anaerobic methane oxidation: shedding light on the crucial role of anaerobic methane oxidation across diverse ecosystems, offering insights into its significance in global environmental shifts.
- Harnessing biotechnological innovations: investigating the untapped potential of metal-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation, paving the way for innovative biotechnological solutions. This research not only promises advancements in greenhouse gas mitigation from wastewater treatment but also holds the key to addressing heavy metal contamination.
This interdisciplinary journey will allow you to immerse yourself in various disciplines including geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, and aquatic ecology. You will use a versatile toolkit of methodologies, from microcosm incubation to the operation of state-of-the-art laboratory-scale bioreactors and immersive field studies. As a PhD candidate, you will be given many opportunities to be creative and innovative and to perform cutting-edge microbiological, molecular, geochemical, microscopic, and spectroscopic analyses.
As a valued member of our dynamic research team at the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), you will thrive in a collaborative and international environment, engaging with experts from diverse scientific domains. Finally, throughout this enriching journey, you will have the opportunity to contribute up to 10% of your time to teaching responsibilities, nurturing the next generation of scientific minds.