id: NDk2NTg0MiA3

reference: 4965842

documentId: 4965842

connectionPointId: 7

lastModificationDate: 1553675418036

stillingsbetegnelse:
2-year Postdoctoral Position at the Center for GeoGenetics University of Copenhagen

jobbeskrivelse:
Background
The Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark, invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position. The successful candidate will be appointed to the VILLUM YOUNG INVESTIGATOR project: “Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment: The role of mineral facilitated horizontal gene transfer” led by Associate Professor Karina K. Sand. The appointed candidate will be using bond level and bulk level techniques to quantify DNA-mineral interactions in a range of environmental conditions.

This position is based at Center for GeoGenetics and includes travel to Lund University for obtaining some of the data.

Description of the project
The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARg) is a worldwide health risk and is no longer only a clinical issue. Vast reservoirs of ARg are found in natural environments such as soils, sediments and oceans. The emergence and release of ARg to the environment is in particular caused by extended use of antibiotics in farming, e.g. where the genes dissipate from the manure. Once in the environment, the ARg are surprisingly rapidly propagated. The aim of this project is to investigate if minerals serve as unrecognized hotspots for the observed and alarming distribution of ARg.


Job content
The successful candidate will focus on quantifying DNA-mineral interactions and should expect to be involved in studies of microbial-mineral interactions as well as obtaining rates of gene uptake in bacteria. Direct experience in the two latter topics is not required.

The successful candidate will be working in close cooperation with geobiologist, biophysicists, geologists and archaeologists.

Profile
I am are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a background or research experience in at least 2 of the following fields: surface science, biopolymers, mineralogy/geology. Additionally, the candidate should have the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in chemistry, geology or related areas, with a focus on mineral surfaces
• You are highly experienced in atomic force microscopy, including chemical force spectroscopy and dynamic force spectroscopy and have ATR-FITR experience.
• You are an expert in characterizing the mineral-fluid interface region
• You have an active interest in working across the disciplines involved in this research and striving to moving the concept of mineral facilitated horizontal gene transfer forward
• You are independent and take responsibility of your own projects
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Experienced presenter of scientific results for an audience and/or a journal

Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on the following:

• Interest in bacterial-mineral interactions
• Knowledge of origin and evolution of life principles and concepts
• Knowledge of horizontal gene transfer and relevance for propagation of antibiotic resistance
• Previous experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and research
• Good interpersonal skills

The place of employment
The Center for GeoGenetics offer a creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories for wet chemical work, highly specialized DNA laboratories and an in-house top-end atomic force microscope. The latter is dedicated to this project.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is 1 July 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter. The terms of conditions and payment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the Danish Ministry of Finance.

How to Apply
Application, CV, Publication list and relevant documentation is sent using the link below no later than 15 April 2019. Interviews will be held in the first week of May 2019.



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jobCategoriesCodes_0: http://data.europa.eu/esco/isco/C2310

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positionTypeCode: directhire

contractTypeCodes_0: fulltime

Arbejdsgiver Navn: KU - SCIENCE - NBI

source: DK-STAR