PhD Candidate in Fungal Evolution and Innovation

Job summary

This PhD position focuses on the study of filamentous fungi within the context of fermentation cultures, exploring the intersection of microbial life and human culture. The research aims to investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavor, texture, and functionality. The project will utilize Aspergillus species as model systems to examine epigenetic influences on mutation rates and genome dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments in fungal genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, and multi-omics analyses.
• Generate, process, and analyze experimental data.
• Visualize results and communicate findings to diverse scientific audiences.
• Publish research findings in high-impact international journals.
• Present work at international conferences and scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines and contribute to a collaborative research culture.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in mycology (required).
• Experience with fungal genetic engineering (preferred).
• Experience generating genomic and transcriptomic data from fungi (preferred).
• Experience generating and analyzing metabolomics data (preferred).
• Strong interest in fungal biology, evolutionary theory, ecology, and food innovation.
• High motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of research.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems.
• Strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English.
• Organized, structured, and committed to high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices.

Education

Work setup

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level is required.
• This position is not remote.