PhD Candidate in Microbial Ecology (Agriculture, Remote)

Job summary

This PhD project focuses on the intersection of microbial ecology and sustainable agriculture, specifically investigating the efficacy of microbial bioinoculants in field conditions. The candidate will engage in research that enhances the understanding of microbial interactions within agricultural systems, contributing to the development of climate-resilient plant biologicals.

Qualifications

• A two-year master’s degree or equivalent in microbiology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, environmental engineering, agriculture, or a related field.
• Practical experience in molecular microbiology techniques such as DNA extraction, qPCR, and microscopy.
• Proven experience in studying complex microbial systems, including synthetic communities or multi-strain consortia.
• Strong grasp of community assembly concepts, including niche complementarity and host selection in microbiomes.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics using R or Python, particularly in amplicon workflows and metagenomics.
• Knowledge of microbial biostimulants or biocontrol agents in agricultural contexts.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in complex project environments.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on biological constraints affecting microbial consortia and their interactions with plants and soil microbiomes.
• Design and execute experiments across various settings, including laboratory, greenhouse, and field.
• Collaborate with agricultural partners to ensure research aligns with practical applications.
• Supervise undergraduate and master's students and assist in departmental teaching activities.

Education

• Candidates must hold a relevant master’s degree or be in the process of obtaining one.

Tools

• Molecular microbiology tools (e.g., qPCR, microscopy).
• Bioinformatics software (R, Python).