We are looking for a candidate interested in applying for the call for pre-doctoral contracts for research personnel in training of the Junta de Andalucía, to carry out the doctoral thesis at the University of Cadiz in the framework of the project “Bioprecipitation of metallic copper from acid mine drainage in the Iberian Pyritic Belt” BIOCOBRE, funded by the Junta de Andalucía.
The aim of the project is to study precipitates of copper salts and oxides in environments contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD). The biogeochemical conditions, the microbial community and the metabolic pathways involved in the precipitation of copper nanoparticles in biofilm growing in areas of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Iberian Pyritic Belt (Huelva) will be investigated.
To understand the process we will 1) define the geochemical environment within the biofilm and measure copper precipitation rates under different conditions, 2) describe the evolution of the biofilm microbial community from colonisation to maturity, 3) isolate and culture the biofilm microorganisms potentially involved in the copper precipitation process. To achieve these objectives, we will use a multidisciplinary approach combining state-of-the-art techniques from different scientific disciplines: microsensors (O2, H2S, pH and Eh), geochemical and mineralogical methods, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), omics tools (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics) and multispecific and axenic microbial cultures.
Requirements
- Degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology or similar with at least 240 credits.
- Average grade of the academic transcript higher than 8.0 out of 10.
In addition, the candidate must be highly motivated to carry out a doctoral thesis and be willing to train as a researcher in the microbiology of systems impacted by acid mine drainage, and have basic knowledge of cultures/reactors, omics tools or biogeochemistry. Good oral and written communication skills in English would also be an asset.
If successful, the PhD student will join the Ecology Area of the Department of Biology of the University of Cadiz and specifically the Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry group (microbentos.uca.es).
Contact: Those interested should send their CV (with academic transcript) and motivation letter to Alfonso Corzo (alfonso.corzo@uca.es) before 24 June 2021.
The call (in Spanish) can be found here:
