Postdoctoral fellow within microbiology and environmental biotechnology

About the position

The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 4-year Post-Doctoral–position in microbiology, related to environmental biotechnology. The position will be anchored in the group for Microbial Ecology and Physiology (MEP) and the cross-Faculty collaboration NMBU-Nitrogen group (NMBUNG). 

MEP/NMBUNG are at the forefront of research on ecophysiology of denitrifying prokaryotes: organisms that can sustain respiratory metabolism by reducing nitrate to molecular nitrogen.   We have done ground-breaking research on the physiology and regulatory biology of such organisms, primarily motivated by the fact their metabolism is the main source of the climate gas N2O in the atmosphere. Our research has paved the way for biotechnological inventions to reduce the emissions of N2O. 

Recently, we decided to use our knowledge for a completely different purpose: to develop a new cultivation strategy for production of single cell protein, based on anaerobic respiration (thus independent of costly O2-provision). High density culturing of bacteria is a promising future protein source which can be partially or entirely detached from traditional agriculture and thus independent of arable land. 

Our anaerobic cultivation approach (ongoing research project: AnaPro; PCT Application PCT/EP2022/050170) has been utilized for high cell density culturing (HCDC) of model organisms, and the bacterial biomass has been tested as a supplement in fish feed with promising results. Until now, anaerobic HCDC has been dependent on glucose, but we are now venturing into the development of a more sustainable process. In line with this, the post doc will have a leading role as we further optimize the process and search for methanol utilizing denitrifying bacteria with high growth rates and biomass yields. 

Main tasks

The post doctor will contribute to our ongoing efforts to optimize and further develop anaerobic high-density cultivation of bacteria, in terms of process and selected organisms. Main tasks will include:

• Adaptation and optimization of the anaerobic high cell density culturing method to a methanol dependent process
• Enrichment and isolation of high-yield methanol utilizing denitrifiers from complex communities
• Characterization of selected isolates in terms of their:
• respiratory physiology
• biomass yield and -composition
• imperatives for high density fed-batch culturing 

Whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic screening will be used to assess metabolic range and sensitivity of bacterial isolates. Selected isolates will be explored further with respect to aerobic and anaerobic growth parameters and release of N-oxides by gas kinetics, followed by testing in high-density culturing -settings. Isolates will also be tested under feast-famine regimes (mimicking heterogeneous conditions encountered during high-density culturing in large reactors), and growth yield, overflow metabolism and accumulation of potentially toxic denitrification intermediates (NO2- and NO) and metabolites will be assessed. Proteomics analyses will further uncover regulatory and metabolic effects of high-density culturing, as well as possible bottlenecks and auxotrophies. 

In addition to classical culturing and analytical methods, we will need to combine several specialized techniques, e.g. anaerobic fed-batch and continuous culturing in bioreactor, and physiological characterization of bacteria via detailed gas kinetics. Thus, a closely matching skill set is required.

The main purpose of a post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. This entails e.g. participation in teaching and supervision. A PhD degree is required.

Competence

Required Academic qualifications

• PhD in microbiology or closely related field
• Documented English skills, written and oral

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

• Hands-on experience with high-density culturing 
• Experience with gas kinetics analyses of denitrifying cultures
• Experience with enrichment culturing and isolation of bacteria
• Phenotypic characterization of bacteria, relevant to the tasks of the project
• Molecular techniques and -omics analyses, primarily genomics and proteomics, but also metabolomics 
• Bioinformatics experience 
• Mastery of a Scandinavian language (required for teaching at BSc-level)

You need to:

• Thrive in a dynamic research environment
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Be sincerely interested in the intricacies of microbial physiology
• Be proficient in scientific writing

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow (salary grade 62-77; NOK 604.900,- to 796.600,-) depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

For further information, please contact Dr Linda Bergaust 

E-mail: linda.bergaust@nmbu.no; +4767232449

General Information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 01.11.2024

Your CV must be entered in JobbNorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations of §15 of the Public Administration Act.

Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested. 

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 01.11.2024. Please quote reference number 24/04808

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

Please note that the report from the expert committee will be sent to all applicants.

About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science

The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally. 
 

For further information please follow this link: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.

NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en

Questions about the position

Linda Bergaust

Dr.

+47 67232449

linda.bergaust@nmbu.no