The Department of Geological Sciences (Stockholm University, Sweden) invites applications for the following PhD position in Geochemistry. The position is fully funded through the Department.
The Project: Siderophore production and function in the geosphere: experimental studies and field measurements of mineral weathering and biomineralization.
Microorganisms are known to affect mineral weathering rates and the mobilization of essential and toxic metals in the environment. They can release strong organic complex chelators, so-called siderophores, which have a high affinity for metals. These low-molecular mass dissolved organic molecules are often specific for certain microorganisms or plants and allow them to gain a selective growth advantage in environments, where the availability of metal nutrients is limited. Siderophores can have a critical role in regulating biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial and marine systems, but the details of the molecular-scale processes and their effect on macroscale biogeochemical cycling are not well established. This study aims at understanding the relationships between siderophore production and function and their influence on biochemically induced weathering and biomineralisation of iron-bearing minerals like magnetite in terrestrial and marine environments. Field and experimental studies will be conducted to determine siderophore composition and concentration, and their relationship to microbial community composition and activity.
This is a fully funded four year PhD position under the joint supervision of Sara Holmström, Volker Brüchert, and Nils Holm. The successful applicant will study the interactions of microbes with the global earth with focus on the production and the role of biogenic siderophores in biogeochemical processes. Related activities include both laboratory and field work.
Requirements
Stockholm University Requirements: Applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g. Masters) or university study of 240 p (4 years), with at least 60 p (1 year) at the advanced (research) level.
Department Requirements: undergraduate courses: at least 90 p in Earth Science and 30p chemistry, and at least a 30 p independent project at the advanced level in geology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry or any chemistry-enriched natural science subject.
Selection criteria
The basis for selection is the applicant’s ability to succeed at research training.
Stockholm University is an equal opportunity employer. Appointment regulations for research training at Stockholm University are available in Swedish at:
http://www.regelboken.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1031&a=16354
and the Higher Education Board’s handbook for PhD students in both Swedish and English at: http://doktorandhandboken.nu.
Applications should include:
Cover letter, completed form SU 9012 click here for form, CV, copies of examination certificates and/or other proof of eligibility and the contact details of two referees.
Application should be sent by e-mail to:
Reference number: SU 464-13-0007-11
elisabeth.dacker[ at ]geo.su.se
Or by post to:
Stockholms universitet
Institutionen för geologiska vetenskaper
Elisabeth Däcker?
Svante Arrhenius väg 8
114 18 Stockholm
The deadline for applications is 26 March 2011.
Contact
For more information contact:
Dr. Sara Holmström at sara.holmstrom[at]geo.su.se
Dr. Volker Brüchert at volker.bruchert[at]geo.su.se
Prof. Nils Holm at nils.holm[at]geo.su.se
Link:
The Department of Geological Sciences (Stockholm University, Sweden) invites applications for the following PhD position in Geochemistry. The position is fully funded through the Department.
The Project: Siderophore production and function in the geosphere: experimental studies and field measurements of mineral weathering and biomineralization.
Microorganisms are known to affect mineral weathering rates and the mobilization of essential and toxic metals in the environment. They can release strong organic complex chelators, so-called siderophores, which have a high affinity for metals. These low-molecular mass dissolved organic molecules are often specific for certain microorganisms or plants and allow them to gain a selective growth advantage in environments, where the availability of metal nutrients is limited. Siderophores can have a critical role in regulating biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial and marine systems, but the details of the molecular-scale processes and their effect on macroscale biogeochemical cycling are not well established. This study aims at understanding the relationships between siderophore production and function and their influence on biochemically induced weathering and biomineralisation of iron-bearing minerals like magnetite in terrestrial and marine environments. Field and experimental studies will be conducted to determine siderophore composition and concentration, and their relationship to microbial community composition and activity.
This is a fully funded four year PhD position under the joint supervision of Sara Holmström, Volker Brüchert, and Nils Holm. The successful applicant will study the interactions of microbes with the global earth with focus on the production and the role of biogenic siderophores in biogeochemical processes. Related activities include both laboratory and field work.
Requirements
Stockholm University Requirements: Applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g. Masters) or university study of 240 p (4 years), with at least 60 p (1 year) at the advanced (research) level.
Department Requirements: undergraduate courses: at least 90 p in Earth Science and 30p chemistry, and at least a 30 p independent project at the advanced level in geology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry or any chemistry-enriched natural science subject.
Selection criteria
The basis for selection is the applicant’s ability to succeed at research training.
Stockholm University is an equal opportunity employer. Appointment regulations for research training at Stockholm University are available in Swedish at:
http://www.regelboken.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1031&a=16354
and the Higher Education Board’s handbook for PhD students in both Swedish and English at: http://doktorandhandboken.nu.<
Country: Sweden
