We are seeking a highly motivated student to investigate the phylogenetic and functional diversity of microbial communities in the Greenland Ice Sheet subglacial ecosystem and their role in carbon cycling, as part of the new project “Microbial Production and Release of Methane from the Greenland Ice Sheet” (MARCH4G).

The PhD student will investigate the microbial communities in the Greenland Ice Sheet subglacial ecosystem and their role in carbon cycling using state-of-the-art molecular techniques (quantitative PCR, metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing, bioinformatics). They will take part in field work in Greenland, collect samples of subglacial sediment and glacial runoff, assist in long-term experiments led by a postdoctoral researcher in the group, and perform molecular and bioinformatic analyses of acquired field and experimental samples. They will be based at the Department of Ecology, Charles University, Prague, and supervised by project leader Marek Stibal.

The successful applicant will have a background in molecular microbiology and ecology. They must have obtained a degree equivalent to a M.Sc. in a relevant field by September 2021 (interested students who are at present in their final year of undergraduate studies are thus eligible). Good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for candidates of any nationality (this language is fully sufficient for living in Prague and working at the department, and Czech candidates must be equally able to fluently communicate with their foreign colleagues). The position is available for 4 years, starting in October 2021, with a net monthly income of at least CZK 33,000 (€1200). For further information please contact Dr Marek Stibal (marek.stibal@natur.cuni.cz). Please include a CV, transcripts, and a short statement of relevant research experience.

More information on the project and the application process can also be found here.