Germany : PhD Thesis in Geomicrobiology

PhD Thesis in Geomicrobiology

The research group for Geomicrobiology at the Center for Applied Geosciences at the University of Tübingen is looking for a PhD student working for 3 years on

‘Fe cycling in salt lakes and indirect formation of organohalogens (stimulated by microorganisms)’

Project description:
Organohalogens influence atmospheric chemistry and thereby earth climate. Thus, it is necessary to identify the sources of organohalogens and to obtain a detailed understanding of the different mechanisms that lead to their formation. From recent laboratory and field studies (salt lakes) it became evident that both biotic (enzymatically catalyzed), but also abiotic redox reactions involving humic substances and iron minerals can lead to the formation of organohalogens. However, the mechanisms of these processes, the identity of the reactive organic and iron species, the role of chemical and microbial iron cycling including Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) reduction, the global distribution and geochemical parameters influencing the enzymatic and abiotic reactions, and the relative contribution of abiotic vs. biotic processes to the global organohalogen budget are currently unclear. Comprehensive knowledge on the direct and indirect formation of organohalogens by microorganisms a!
nd a better understanding of iron cycling in salt lakes will not only further our understanding of natural biological halogenations processes, but also facilitate scientific efforts to quantify the sources, sinks, and global burdens of organic halogen compounds.

The main goals of this research project are to determine whether and to which extent microbial redox reactions of iron minerals and humic substances can produce reactive iron species and humic compounds that lead to abiotic formation of volatile organohalogens (VOX). The results from this project will be compared to the results from a second PhD study that quantifies the diversity, abundance, and activity of halogenating enzymes in the environment. For the advertised project, soil samples from organohalogen releasing salt lakes in West Africa and Southern Russian will be collected. Laboratory microcosms will be setup with these samples to determine the role of humic substances, iron minerals, and iron-/humics-metabolizing bacteria for VOX formation and to evaluate the effect of changing geochemical conditions, including redox status, hydration (water) status, and temperature on VOX formation.

We offer a PhD position in an interdisciplinary, international, young and dynamic team of microbiologists, geochemists, geologists and molecular biologists. This position provides an opportunity to bring in the candidate’s own creativity and self-responsibility. Not only will you learn and apply various lab techniques, but you will also practice and improve your ability to discuss and present problems and results in an open and friendly atmosphere.

You should have a background in environmental sciences, (geo-)chemistry or geoecology and like working in a team in an interdisciplinary research group. Applicants should have good communication skills and be highly motivated and committed to pursuing interdisciplinary research particularly focusing on environmental issues. Good computer and language skills (English) are imperative. The PhD position will be funded by the University of Tübingen at TV-L E13 (50%). The start date is September 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter. The employment will be arranged by the administration of the University of Tübingen. We particularly encourage female applicants to apply for this position. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification.

Please send your application by email before May 31th 2011 to:
Prof. Andreas Kappler (Geomicrobiology) University of Tübingen, andreas.kappler@uni-tuebingen.de

Application Deadline : 31 May 2011

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Posted on 2011-03-29 09:53:03

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