PhD Studentship in Biology at Technical University of Denmark

The Technical University of Denmark offers a PhD fellowship at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering).

A candidate with a solid background in bacteriology and microbial ecology, combined with an interest in understanding microbial interaction and microbial communities’ development, is highly preferable.

Summary

Project Description

The PhD project is part of the Center for Microbial Secondary Metabolites, CeMiSt and will be carried out in the Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group headed by Professor Ákos. T. Kovács in the Section for Microbial and Chemical Ecology. CeMiSt is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The Center started in 2018 and will run for six years with an option for a four-year extension.

The Center is based at the Technical University of Denmark and hosted by the Biotechnology and Biomedicine Department (DTU Bioengineering). Three DTU departments and ten senior faculty participate in the Center, and >15 PhD students and postdocs are hired. The purpose of CeMiSt is to unravel the biological role of secondary microbial metabolites in natural microbiological communities. The Center is led by Professor Lone Gram.

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated candidate to study the sociomicrobiology of bacterial secondary metabolite production using molecular techniques in the research field of microbial ecology and evolution.

You will be involved in a fun PhD project on natural microbial products, strong international connections, a productive scientific environment, and an excellent work-life balance. The position will be available from June 01, 2021, or as soon as possible after that.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is April 04, 2021

Approval and Enrolment

The PhD degree scholarship is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the available planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is three years.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Ákos T. Kovács, tel.: +45 4525 2527, atkovacs@dtu.dk  

Eligibility

• Your PhD project will contribute to our understanding of how microbial secondary metabolite (SM) production impacts the spatial distribution of microbes and vice versa.
• You will assay the fitness cost and benefits of SM production in Bacilli and other soil microorganisms at diverse spatial scale, from pure cultures to synthetic microcosms. Also, you will exploit our bioimaging platform (microscopy and chemical imaging) to elucidate the role of SMs in microbial interactions.
• You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in molecular biology, biology, engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
• Candidates should preferably have experience with molecular microbiology and fluorescence microscopy, while background on secondary microbial metabolites is advantageous.
• You should be an efficient team worker, have good communication skills, and have a critical approach to the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
• In your application, indicate the names and contact details of at least two referees.

You may apply before ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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

Apply Now