Microbial communication– post-doc position available

About the Role

The InnoRenew CoE is seeking a highly motivated and well-qualified post-doctoral researcher to join the ERC project “Bioinspired living skin for architecture” (ARCHI-SKIN), GA #101044468, funded by the European Research Council. The overall objective of the ARCHI-SKIN project is to comprehensively evaluate bio-inspired strategies for fungal biofilms’ chemistry-structure properties to create a solid basis for the advancement of future living engineering materials’ surfaces. This will lead to developing and optimizing a novel exterior architectural coating system for the building sector. The researcher will also contribute to the newly funded EIC #101185862 REMEDY project starting in February 2025.

The successful candidate will be employed at the InnoRenew CoE in the Materials Department under the supervision of Assoc Prof. Anna Sandak and will conduct research in the Engineered Living Materials (ELM) laboratory .

Goals and Tasks

The primary goal of this position is to design and study microbial biofilms that incorporate fungi, algae, and bacteria, focusing on understanding the interactions and communication within these multispecies communities.

Key tasks include:

• cultivating and maintaining multispecies co-cultures of fungi, algae, and bacteria
• employing advanced microscopy and analytical techniques to observe and analyze biofilm structure and function
• detecting and analyzing quorum sensing and quorum quenching
• exploring symbiotic relationships and metabolic exchanges within these biofilms.

Preferred Qualifications

Essential:

• A Ph.D. degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, synthetic biology, environmental engineering, or related fields
• A strong foundation in microbial ecology or environmental microbiology, with an understanding of interactions within mixed microbial communities, involving fungi, algae, and/or bacteria
• Practical experience with multispecies co-cultures, particularly involving fungi, algae, and bacteria
• Proficiency in microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, molecular biology, and cultivating and maintaining algae and fungi in laboratory conditions, including their integration into mixed-species biofilms
• Research experience in symbiotic relationships and metabolic exchanges within mixed microbial communities
• Familiarity with quorum sensing mechanisms and the ability to manipulate microbial communication pathways
• Excellent communication skills in English

Desirable:

• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for innovation for innovations in microbial engineering and synthetic ecology
• Initiative in research projects, including identifying new research opportunities and developing novel approaches
• Ability to prepare high-quality scientific articles and interact with industry professionals and other researchers
• Ability to co-supervise master’s and Ph.D. students
• The ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas including research proposal preparation
• Interest in interdisciplinary work and an innovative, cross-discipline approach

The candidate is expected to have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work and the ability to work in an international environment. An innovative, out-of-the-box, and cross-discipline approach will be highly valued.

What we offer

• 3 years contract with a 3-month trial period
• Competitive salary with potential performance-based raises
• Opportunity to work on prestigious ERC and EIC projects
• Relocation assistance with administrative tasks, including guidance on finding accommodation and local registrations
• Flexible working hours
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file containing the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter for this post-doctoral position (maximum one A4 page)
• Summary (track record) of previous research experience (Ph.D. thesis, published journal papers, conference contributions)
• Certified copy of Ph.D. degree certificate and official transcript of records, and their translations, if the originals are not in English
• Contact information for two referees

All materials should be in English and submitted no later than 30 November 2024. Please insert “Post-doc microbial communication” in the subject line of your email and submit your application to coe@innorenew.eu.

For any additional information, you can contact us by email: coe@innorenew.eu.

For more specific inquiries about the research topic, please contact Associate Professor Anna Sandak at anna.sandak@innorenew.eu.

Employment opportunities, admissions policies, activities, services, and the facilities of the InnoRenew CoE do not exclude any person based on race, color, age, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. In processing your application, the GDPR will be respected and your information will not be shared outside of the relevant staff at the InnoRenew CoE. By submitting your application, you agree that the data you provide be reviewed by this organization.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is 1st February 2025 but it will be agreed with the selected candidate.

The InnoRenew CoE reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Learn more about the InnoRenew CoE at http://innorenew.eu or by e-mailing: coe@innorenew.eu.

Apply now