Three-Year Postdoctoral Position Role of Extracellular Nucleic Acids in Interspecies Communication and Sensing
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Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
We invite applications for a 3-year postdoc position in the team of Professor Amelia-Elena Rotaru at the University of Southern Denmark on a Semper Ardens Accomplish grant to A-E Rotaru.
The postdoc will investigate whether extracellular nucleic acids (primarily extracellular RNA) and associated cofactors influence interspecies communication and redox sensing in methanogenic consortia. This project integrates RNA biology anaerobic microbiology metallomics secretome analysis spatial RNA-seq and electrochemistry to explore the role of eNAs in microbial interspecies interactions communication and sensing.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Cultivate and monitor methanogenic dual-species consortia.
- Design and execute experiments to identify cell surface eRNAcofactor interactions.
- Develop and perform communication and redox sensing assays.
- Conduct secretomics and spatial transcriptomics to analyse the role of eNA in intercellular signaling and communication in multicellular aggregates.
- Develop electrochemical and analytical methods to probe RNA-mediated cellular interactions.
- Publish and present results at international meetings
Your profile:
We seek candidates with:
- A relevant PhD degree in molecular microbiology archaeal RNA biology molecular electrobiology or a related field.
- Experience in archaeal RNA biology (spatial transcriptomics secretomics) electrochemistry of nucleic acid complexes co-immunoprecipitation of RNA and cofactors
- An excellent academic track record
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English (e.g. publication oral presentations)
- The ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary team
Application deadline: May 1st2026
Starting date: July 1st 2026 or soon after
The application should include the following documents
- Letter explaining your motivation and qualifications to join this project
- CV documenting your PhD degree and other qualifications for the position
- List of publications relevant to the position and a link to a complete publication profile (e.g. Google Scholar profile)
- Two reference letters or contact details of 2 references
Applicants seeking further information can contact: Professor Amelia-Elena Rotaru.
Who are we
The successful candidates will be employed at the Department of Biology (240 people) and embedded in the Nordcee research section (60 people) an interdisciplinary environment spanning environmental microbiology biogeochemistry microbial ecology and Earthlife interactions. Nordcee hosts a strong international research community with shared laboratory infrastructure and permanent administrative and technical support.
The position will be hosted by the Rotaru Lab which studies electromicrobiology microbial syntrophy and microbemineral/electrode interactions with a particular focus on methane-cycling microorganisms and the development of sustainable bioelectrochemical technologies.
Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offeredDanish language trainingas part of the employment.International Staff Office(ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things the staff answers questions concerningsalarytaxationhousingandaccompanying family. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found atWork in Denmark.
Application salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).Please check links for more information onsalary(only available in Danish)andtaxation.
The application must include the following:
- Letter explaining your motivation and qualifications to join this project
- CV documenting your PhD degree and other qualifications for the position also including information on previous employment with start and end dates
- List of publications relevant to the position and a link to a complete publication profile (e.g. Google Scholar profile)
- Copy of PhD diploma if Phd diploma has not yet been received please include statement from your supervisor
- Two reference letters or contact details of 2 references
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link Apply now. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDUbefore you apply.
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About Company
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. ... View more
