Postdoc in experimental microbial interactions in the insect gut

As part of a new Villum Foundation project, the Host and Parasites group, Section for Organismal Biology (Department of Plant and Environmental Science (PLEN)) is offering a 2-year postdoctoral position in the field of experimental microbiology and metagenomics of the insect gut biome to investigate the interplay between ciliates and microorganisms (gut bacteria and archea) in the context of methane emission. Employment starts 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The Host and Parasite group conducts research on the interplay between a host and its associated microorganisms including biodiversity, systematics, co-evolution, and population ecology. A main component of the research is focused on fundamental and applied questions related to the gut microbiome health and compositional dynamics using simple (insect) to complex (minipigs) predictive animal models. Among other, research is conducted on: Gut microbiome dysbiosis and restoration profiles, 2) The use of animal models in relation to toxicity and drug potency, 3) Techniques to detect and phenotypically analyze infectivity of parasites, and 4) Epidemiology of zoonotic parasites. The applied aspects include collaboration with national and foreign companies, mostly small to medium sized companies. (https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/organismal_biology/hp/)

Project Description

The position is advertised in connection with a newly established research project, “Six-legged cows? Cockroaches unlock the secrets of hydrogenosomes, the culprit of ruminant methane emission” funded by the Villum Foundation. The overall aim of the project is to use a recently developed gut microbiome model, the American cockroach, to describe the modes of action and effects of intervention by diet and defaunation on ciliate and gut microbial contribution to methane emission. Cockroaches offer a unique, fast, and novel in vivo model to experimentally explore fundamental interactions between rumen ciliates, bacteria, and methanogens relevant to methane emission in livestock.

The postdoctoral research will focus on characterizing the role of ciliates and their endosymbiotic archea in methane emission. Tasks will include handling of insects, experimental intervention studies, processing of DNA and characterization of the cockroach gut microbiome, and quantification of methane emission using headspace GC and sensitive environmental sensors. The candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with project partners and perform high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing (Oxford Nanopore and Illumina platforms) and bioinformatic analyses of the resulting data. The successful candidate will be expected to publish results in international peer-reviewed journals and, to some degree, to engage in supervision. There will be an opportunity to get teaching experience at the BSc and MSc level. The post may also include performing other duties, such as applying for external funding.

The candidate is expected to have a PhD or similar qualifications in Microbiology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, or another relevant research field. The candidate must be proficient at extracting and purifying nucleic acid (DNA and /or RNA) from complex biological samples and to further process them to create libraries for high-throughput sequencing using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. The candidate should be competent in processing large datasets and performing bioinformatics. Routine workflows will include, but are not limited to, (meta)genome assembly, taxonomic and functional annotation of DNA/RNA sequence data, and microbial ecology analyses. It is highly advantageous if the candidate can demonstrate previous experience working with experimental microbiology in animal models preferably related to manipulated gut microbiotas.

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment, conducting research at the highest international level. The position, therefore, requires a highly motivated scientist who is comfortable working in teams, who has good interpersonal skills, as well as a collaborative and open mind-set.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Brian Lund Fredensborg, Department of Plant and Environmental Science. E-mail: blf@plen.ku.dk. Phone: +45 31323860.

The position is open from March 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Application Procedure

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae

• Cover letter
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Highlight up to 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 2 January 2025 GMT+1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.