Project assistant position in Marine Microbial Ecology

Job description

Bacteria are major drivers of biogeochemical cycles in the sea, but molecular detail on how they impact on particular element cycles remains largely unknown. Research in this project will investigate the role of proteorhodopsin light harvesting of marine bacterioplankton in carbon cycling. Focus will be on deciphering the genetic basis for organic carbon utilization and how it is influenced by the availability of other nutrients. The work includes laboratory experiments with cultured model organisms and with natural marine bacterial assemblages. Analyses will involve state-of-the-art techniques in microbial ecology and molecular biology (e.g. gene expression analyses by RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing methodologies).

Locally, the research project is connected to the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS) and the Strong Research Environment ECOCHANGE that comprise expertise in ecology, evolution, and microbiology.

Qualifications:

Requirements: We seek you that is a skilled and motivated to work in microbial ecology. A person fulfils the entry requirements by having:

• Completed undergraduate studies in biology, ecology, or molecular biology corresponding to at least 120 higher education credits.
• Documented experience in:
• aquatic microbial ecology research including working with seawater samples and microcosm/mesocosm experiments on microorganisms.
• assessing growth of bacteria in both liquid rich media and on solid media using microbiology methods.
• extraction of mRNA from natural seawater samples and bacterial isolates as well as being proficient in using reverse transcription qPCR for quantifying gene expression.
• preparing DNA samples for 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding.

Meritorious:

• High proficiency in written and spoken English.

• Ability to work independently to solve problems.
• Capacity to interact well in a research group (i.e. team work).
• Important personal qualities are creativity, independence, resilience, and organizational skills.

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Deputy Head of Department Andreas Svensson (andreas.svensson@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-447319,

Research leader Prof. Jarone Pinhassi (jarone.pinhassi@lnu.se), +46-702756318

HR-partner Marianne Palmér (marianne.palmer@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-447303

For more information on Linnaeus University and the Department of Biology and Environmental Science see Lnu.se

https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/Organisation/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciencesnew-page/

Welcome with your application no later than September 28th, 2026.

The application should be in English and contain a CV (with the applicant’s phone number and e-mail, as well as contact details including phone number and e-mail of two reference persons), a letter describing the applicant’s research interests, motivation, and experience relevant to the position, a copy of the passport, documentation of degrees and transcripts, and any other documentation the applicant wishes to submit.

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the Apply button at the bottom of the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 23.59 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.