15 PhD/Research positions on Promoting Single Cell Genomics to explore the ecology and evolution of hidden microeukaryotes
Application status: CLOSED
Microbial eukaryotes cover the widest phylogenetic diversity in the eukaryotic tree of life and are essential components of all Earth’s ecosystems. Paradoxically, they remain largely unknown, hiding a wealth of genes and genomes that are key to understand the ecology and evolution of microbial ecosystems. SINGEK is a H2020 Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project aimed at providing a unique and structured training programme to 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) to study microeukaryotes at the single-cell level. ESRs will be trained in the use of an array of laboratory methods (cell sorting and molecular tools for nucleic acid amplification and high throughput sequencing), bioinformatic techniques (genome and transcriptome assembly and functional gene annotations), and will work on scientific questions in the fields of microbial ecology and evolution in order to investigate microeukaryotes in unparalleled detail. The training structure is a central part of SINGEK project and will include: local and network-wide activities, secondments to other network.
All positions are for 3-years contracts starting in October 1st, 2016, most of them leading to a PhD degree. Specific conditions may apply to individual positions depending on local regulations.
Top-level graduates (master degree or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, biotechnology, physics, nanoscience, engineering or computer science are encouraged to apply. No discrimination will be made on the basis of nationality, gender, race, religion or disability.
H2020 EU funding imposes strict eligibility criteria: At the time of recruitment the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc…) in the country of the host institute for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment under the project.The researcher should also be in the first four years of their research careers at the time of recruitment by the host organisation and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
The successful candidate will be employed for 3 years and receive a financial package plus an additional mobility and family allowance according to the rules for Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks (ITN):
• Living allowance* – 3110€ (per month)
• Mobility allowance – 600€ (per month)
• Family allowance** – 500€ (per month – if applicable)
The living allowance is a gross EU contribution to the salary costs of the researcher. The net salary will result from deducting all compulsory (employer/employee) social security contributions as well as direct taxes from the gross amounts, according to the law applicable to the agreement concluded with the ESR. Additional information about the funding provided by the ITN projects can be found here.
Candidates may apply through the SINGEK applications system, which will request the following information:
1. An application form, including a CV overview, ESRs’ positions of interest (up to 3), and a statement of their motivation for applying.
2. A full CV.
3. An academic record, with a scan of the degree qualifications.
4. Two recommendation letters.
Each project supervisor will revise the candidates’ documentation and, on the basis of the completeness and adequacy of the requested material and quick eligibility check, will score candidates based on: (1) academic profile; (2) personal motivation; (3) scientific skills and relevant experience; and (4) English proficiency. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to teleconference interviews with the relevant project supervisor(s).
Application status: CLOSED
Candidates are invited to contact the supervisors to get more details.
