Marine Biological Section at Department of Biology,
University of Copenhagen
PhD scholarship in Molecular Characterization of Fish-Killing Algae
The Marine Biological Section at Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting one PhD student for a project starting March 2012 or soon thereafter. The scholarship is funded through a multidisciplinary research grant ("Harmful algal blooms and fish kills") from the Danish Strategic Research Council and the Department of Biology.
Over the past three decades the number of recorded harmful algal blooms in coastal areas has increased on a worldwide basis. Similarly, blooms of single-celled harmful algae also seem to have increased in Danish waters where they constitute a recurring problem with an extensive impact on caged as well as wild fish. On a number of occasions toxic blooms have eradicated entire fish populations in just a few days. This has detrimental economic consequences for the implicated fish farmers and the general public that use the marine environment for recreational and commercial fishing.
In this PhD project we will apply a number of modern molecular methods for accurate identification and cell counts of ichthyotoxic algal species occurring in Danish waters. This involves development of rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes with fluorescent markers to be used in Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation and Real-Time PCR to further identify and enumerate simultaneously up to four HAB species using multiplex reactions with Taqman probes. Results obtained using molecular methods will be compared to conventional light microscopy (Uthermohl method). The project will be carried out at the Marine Biological Section located in Copenhagen where we have just moved into completely renovated facilities.
For information on the Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen at: http://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/marinebiology
We search a highly motivated individual with an MSc degree in marine biology, molecular microbial ecology or similar. Previous experience in isolation of single-celled algae, algal culturing, light and electron microscopy, DNA extractions, primer design, PCR, Real-Time PCR and FISH is advantageous. Fluency in spoken and written English is a strong requirement.
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the evaluation committee. The successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen.
Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 309,179 per year (April 2011 level) plus pension contribution DKK 42,243 and the possibility to negotiate wage.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
For further information on the project contact Associate Professor Niels Daugbjerg at n.daugbjerg@bio.ku.dk
Applicants are requested to submit their applications by filling in relevant parts of the form titled "Application for PhD scholarship and enrolment to the PhD School" available at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/staff/forms/applying_forms/101025_Application_for_scholarship_and_admission.doc
The form, together with appendices, including a motivated letter for application, should be submitted as a single PDF file. In addition, a signed hardcopy of the application must be posted to Niels Daugbjerg, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2D, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark. The deadline for applications is February 9, 2012.
Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science during March, 2012.
Deadline: 09-02-2012
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER
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