Free Scholarship Info

A postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) in marine bacterial biotechnology is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Section for Aquatic Microbiology and Seafood Hygiene, with starting date January or early 2009.

DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical University of Denmark. The institute is involved in research, education and advice related to the aquatic environment. The institute has an international research staff comprising approx. 120 academic employees in aquatic and fisheries sciences, food technology and microbiology. The aquatic microbiology research focuses on microbial ecology, fish and human pathogens and bioactive marine bacteria.

Microorganisms and their products are valuable in food- and biotechnology being used as food preservatives, disinfectants, immunostimuli or antibiotics. Mankind has a constant need for novel antibacterial compounds as bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to well-known compounds such as antibiotics. The Section for Aquatic Microbiology and Seafood Hygiene at DTU Aqua participated in the entire Galathea 3 expedition which circumnavigated the globe on a nine-month voyage in 2006/07. During this research cruise, the group has acquired a unique global collection of biologically active, marine bacteria which forms the core of the material for the postdoctoral project.

The project will also focus on the physiology of the inhibitory organisms, the mechanisms of inhibition (protein compounds, small molecules, nutrient competition) and interaction of specific compounds with pathogenic organisms in broth and surface systems. The postdoctoral position also represents the initiation of a stronger platform of expertise in molecular bacteriology at DTU Aqua.

The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with PhD students, other microbiologists at DTU Aqua and with natural product chemists at DTU Systembiology that are in charge of extraction of bioactive compounds and structure elucidation. The project is part of a larger collaboration focusing on the collection of bacteria from Galathea 3 and their bioactive potential. This collaborative effort also involves scientists from University of Copenhagen, University of Southern Denmark, Chr. Hansen A/S and nature&science aps. The partners study other aspects of the bioactive bacteria, such as their interaction with immune cells or their specific interference with bacterial virulence.

Required skills for the postdoctoral fellowship:

• A PhD (M.Sc.) in microbial physiology, biotechnology, or molecular microbiology or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a PhD degree in microbiology
• A keen interest in research especially microbiology and the ability to be self motivated
• Good applied skills in e.g. bacterial physiology and ecology and molecular bacteriology. Proficiency in written and spoken English

Further information:
The project will be supervised by Research Professor Lone Gram gram@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 4525 2586. 
General information may be obtained from Helge Abildhauge Thomsen, hat@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 2048 6264, or Nina Qvistgaard, niq@aqua.dtu.dk, (+45) 4048 7790

Application:
Applications should be submitted – preferably by e-mail - as one single pdf-file to aqua@aqua.dtu.dk Applications must include a curriculum vitae (including a list of international publications and poster presentations) and documentation of a completed master's degree including grades. Please indicate you are applying for Postdoc in marine bacterial biotechnology. For the postdoctoral position, proof of a finalised PhD project (or one scheduled to be finalised) must be included. Furthermore the applications should include personal thoughts and ideas for the postdoctoral study. We appreciate if you can provide a few references (supervisors, employers). The application can be submitted by postal mail and should be sent to DTU Aqua, Jægersborg Allé 1, 2920 Charlottenlund.

The application marked "Postdoc in marine bacterial biotechnology" must be received no later than Friday 7th November 2008 at noon.

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

DTU Aqua carries out research, education and advice related to sustainable, effective, and quality oriented exploitation of living aquatic resources. DTU Aqua covers a wide range of research disciplines and delivers research based education and advice to authorities and industry. DTU Aqua has approx. 320 staff members at locations in Charlottenlund, Lyngby, Hirtshals and Silkeborg. For further information please see www.aqua.dtu.dk