Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Environmental microbiology, Bio and Circular Economy) / Tutkijatohtori (Ympäristömikrobiologia, Bio- ja kiertotalous)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en .
The research field of Bio and Circular Economy at Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in Environmental microbiology to work in a project on greenhouse gas methane mitigating bacteria. The position is full-time and will be filled for a fixed-term period of 11 months (with an option to continue the contract for further 18 months).
The aim of the Bio and Circular Economy is to develop processes to improve energy and eco-efficiency, to conserve the limited resources of raw materials and to reduce environmental emissions. The goal is the production and recovery of water, energy, biochemicals, metals and nutrients from different industrial and urban feedstocks. To achieve the goals, Bio and Circular Economy covers research ranging from molecular-level to large-scale processes. The research infrastructures support sustainable development in bio- and circular economy technologies and processes.
Job description
We are seeking a talented and a motivated postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in (environmental) microbiology, molecular microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology and/or biogeochemistry (or a related field) to study the metabolism of greenhouse gas methane eating bacteria (methanotrophs) in microaerobic and anaerobic conditions. We will focus on methanotrophs living in the water columns of oxygen-stratified lakes in boreal (Finland) and temperate (Switzerland) zone. Such ecosystems are methane-rich and harbor a high abundance of methanotrophs. The work will include empirical research focusing on dynamics of methane cycling and methanotroph communities in lake water columns, as well as experimental research, carried out with culture-dependent study methods, i.e., methanotroph isolation and experiments with isolates, and culture-independent study methods, i.e. experiments with lake water samples. Besides standard gas and metabolite production/consumption analyses using GC and HPLC, the study techniques include (meta)genomics, (meta)transcriptomics and (meta)proteomics. In addition to the environmental science perspective, it is also possible to develop and test research ideas from applied science (circular economy) perspective, i.e. conversion of methane to value-added products/processes with methanotrophs. See examples of our previous works:
https://academic.oup.com/ismecommun/article/2/1/85/7460599?searchresult=1
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01742-23
https://academic.oup.com/femsec/article/97/2/fiaa252/6034011
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.874627/full


Requirements
We are looking for versatile, independent, persistent and laboratory-oriented researcher with an applicable doctoral degree in the field of (environmental) microbiology, environmental biotechnology / engineering, environmental sciences or other relevant field, or a related subject area.
We value a competence to pursue independent scientific work and to write scientific publications. We expect you to be fluent in spoken and written English. Additional experience in bioinformatics (analysis of -omics data) etc. is considered as a great bonus.
Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, and boldly forward-looking community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.
We offer
The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 11 months (with an option to continue the contract for further 18 months), starting 1st Oct 2024 (or as mutually agreed). A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University salary system (Yliopistojen työehtosopimus (sivista.fi)) The position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on the job demands levels 5-6 (teaching and research staff). A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Researcher is around 3700 EUR/month.
We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational healthcare services, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities, and a safe and inviting campus area.
Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a center of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshments throughout the year.
Read more about Finland and Tampere:

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 2 Sep 2024 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.
Applications should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines
• List of publications according to Research Council of Finland guidelines
• References from two people
• Motivation letter (1-3 pages, incl. research directions), where you:
  • introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
  • report previous research fields and main research results.
  • describe future goals and research focus. Are there any specific research issues you are primarily interested in?

For more information, please contact:
Academy Research Fellow, Antti Rissanen, antti.rissanen@tuni.fi
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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi
Tampereen yliopiston Tekniikan ja luonnontieteiden tiedekunnan (ENS) Materiaalitieteen ja ympäristötekniikan yksikössä (Bio- ja kiertotalouden tutkimussuunta) on haettavana tutkijatohtorin määräaikainen tehtävä ympäristömikrobiologian alalla.
Tekniikan ja luonnontieteiden tiedekunta (ENS) yhdistää vankan matemaattis-luonnontieteellisen osaamisen keskeisten tekniikan alojen osaamiseen. Tiedekunta on tunnettu vahvasta luonnontieteellisestä perustutkimuksesta sekä tekniikan alojen soveltavasta tutkimuksesta, joka luo mittavaa lisäarvoa tiedekunnan teollisuusyhteistyökumppaneille. Työ on korkealla kansainvälisellä tasolla ja hyödyntää merkittäviä tutkimusinfrastruktuureja.
Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 2.9.2024 klo 23.59.

Application period starts: 2024-08-05 12:00Application period ends: 2024-09-02 23:59