[Coral-List] PhD position in cnidarian nutrient cycling - Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry (EPFL)

[Claudia Pogoreutz]

Dear coral-listers,


see below for a PhD opportunity in coral/cnidarian nutrient cycling in the
Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry at the EPFL. Deadline for
applications is 31 May 2023.


All the best,

Claudia

---


PhD opportunity in symbiotic nutrient cycling in cnidarian photosymbioses

EPFL

The Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry directed by Prof. Anders Meibom
is looking for a motivated PhD student to work on cnidarian symbiosis and
holobiont nutrient cycling.

Motivation and mission:

Tropical coral reef ecosystems are in global decline due to the effects of
global environmental change. At the center of this ecosystem collapse is
the breakdown of symbiotic interactions within the coral holobiont, the
ecological unit comprising the cnidarian host and its microbial associates.
While the efficient uptake, transformation, and exchange of nutrients in
these symbioses has underpinned the evolutionary success of photosymbiotic
cnidarians, this metabolic dependence proves to be their achilles heel in
times of climate change. This project, funded by the Swiss National Science
Foundation, seeks to advance our understanding of the molecular and spatial
dynamics of symbiotic nutrient cycling and its role for cnidarian holobiont
functioning.



The candidate will use state-of-the-art OMICS and imaging tools to
visualize, localize, and quantify nutrient exchange in the intact cnidarian
holobiont. Ultimately, this will permit studying how environmental
conditions affect cnidarian holobionts in light of the underlying metabolic
interactions.

The Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry of Prof. Anders Meibom
investigates biological processes at the subcellular level using
cutting-edge micro-analytical tools. To this end, we use a suite of
isotopic labeling techniques in combination with micro- to nano-scale
analytical instruments, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
secondary electron microscopy (SEM), and son microprobe secondary ion mass
spectroscopy (NanoSIMS). Among the diverse range of projects in our
laboratory, we use these technologies to study metabolic interaction
between cnidarians (e.g. corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish) and their
symbiotic partners, such as microalgae and bacteria.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Anders Meibom and Jr.
Prof. Claudia Pogoreutz (CRIOBE; University of Perpignan Via Domitia,
France).

Keywords and concepts:

   -

   Laboratory experiments combining cnidarian model system and fieldwork
   approaches
   -

   Characterization of symbiotic interactions using genomics and
   metabolomics
   -

   Quantification and visualization of symbiotic interactions using novel
   cryogenic and conventional correlative SEM and NanoSIMS imaging
   applications


Your Profile:

   -

   A Master Degree in a relevant discipline (Marine Biology/Zoology,
   Microbiology, or related)
   -

   Experience with molecular biology benchwork
   -

   Experience with histological sample preparation
   -

   Experience with, or a strong interest in, optical imaging techniques
   and/or NanoSIMS analyses
   -

   Experience with coral husbandry and/or manipulative aquarium experiments
   is an asset
   -

   Basic knowledge or experience with data analysis and biostatistics
   -

   Excellent oral and written English skills
   -

   French skills are an asset
   -

   International experience in an asset


We offer:

   -

   Opportunity to work on multidisciplinary and cutting-edge projects using
   different imaging techniques, including (cryo-)NanoSIMS analysis
   -

   Opportunity to access state-of-the-art research facilities and
   laboratory resources
   -

   A competitive Swiss PhD student salary
   -

   EPFL is an international and top ranking engineering university, offers
   a dynamic, stimulating, interdisciplinary, international and friendly
   working environment, a broad range of scientific training and networking
   events, and also hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community
   -

   EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer. Candidates will be recruited
   based on merit


Start date:

As soon as possible; applications will be reviewed starting at the end of
May.

Important note: The chosen candidate will have to be accepted into the
Doctoral School for Environmental Engineering at EPFL before the
work-contract can start.

(
https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edce-civil-and-environmental-engineering/edce-how-to-apply/#faq-item-9f6d40ca008c1f1c03b8364e16993e3f
)

Term of employment:

Fixed-term (CDD)

Work rate:

100 %

Duration:

4 years

Your application should include:

   -

   Motivation letter
   -

   Full CV including publication record
   -

   Contact information of at least 2 people who can provide letters of
   reference.


Contact: Please submit your application to Mme Michelle Wälti (
michelle.waelti at epfl.ch).