Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Universit of Iceland Application Deadline : 11 August 2014 The Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Iceland, seeks applicants to fill a Ph.D. student position for three years. Alternative nitrogenases in cyanobacteria in mosses and lichens Atmospheric nitrogen must be processed (fixed) to suitable forms for use in living organisms. A large part of this available fixed nitrogen is recycled but some of it is lost from the biosphere so that replenishment is needed. There is low availability of fixed nitrogen in newly exposed terrain where fixed nitrogen is essential for establishing a vegetation cover, often rich in lichens and mosses. This fixed nitrogen is primarily provided by cyanobacteria which can be integral symbionts in many lichens and more loosely associated with mosses. Biological nitrogen fixation is primarily attributed to nitrogenase enzymes requiring molybdenum for function. It has been known for two decades that some cyanobacteria have an alternative nitrogenase which makes use of vanadium and can function when molybdenum is not available. Although less efficient under standard conditions, the vanadium nitrogenase has greater activity at low temperatures than the molybdenum nitrogenase. Recently, vanadium-based nitrogenases have been found in lichens and moss-associated cyanobacteria. This doctoral project will study the frequency and nature of alternative nitrogenases in ecosystems characterized by mosses and lichens, what drives selection for these alternatives, and assess their contribution to the ecosystem nitrogen budget. The project will be carried out at the University of Iceland under the auspices of professors Ólafur S. Andrésson and Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir, with a possibility of field- and coursework at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS). For further information contact Ólafur S. Andrésson, tel: (354) 525-4627 or by email osa at hi.is Qualifications Masters degree in biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Skills in microbiology and molecular biology, interest in ecology and fieldwork. The applicant needs to be able to work independently and demonstrate potential to develop a strong research project in cooperation with the project manager. Applicants need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Application The application shall include a description of the applicants interests in the project, and the vision that applicant has to achieve the research goals. The application shall not be longer than three pages. In addition it shall include i) CV, ii) certificates of education (BS and MS degree), iii) verified copies of course grades, iv) copy of MS dissertation or comparable large dissertation, and v) the names of three referees and information of how to contact them (name, position, institute, email and telephone number). The deadline for application is 11th of August 2014. The position is for three years and the successful applicant is expected to start the appointment no later than 1st October 2014. Project work to be published in peer reviewed international journals will be the foundation for a Ph.D. dissertation. Applications shall be sent [email protected] reference nr. HI14050160. Appointments to the University of Iceland take into account the Equal Rights Policies of the University of Iceland. All applications will be answered and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Salary is determined by the full doctoral scholarship in accord with the wage contract by the minister of finance and appropriate trade union. Some participation in teaching is expected at a late stage of the programme. Around 300 highly qualified employees work at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences. The School offers various and ambitious educational systems in the field of Engineering and Natural Sciences and cutting edge research. The work environment is international and the ratio of international students and employees is constantly increasing. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is organized into six faculties. There is a dynamic collaboration between faculties and students are encouraged to innovate and take initiative. Each year new start-ups are created within the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences. The Schools research institutes are highly sought after affiliates by international universities and serve a significant role in the scientific community. These are: The Science Institute, The Institute of Earth Sciences, The Engineering Research Institute, and The Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences. Further Information:english.hi.is/content/phd_student_faculty_life_and_environmental_sciences_hi14050160
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 12:50:24 +0000
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