PROJECT TITLE: Prebiotics and probiotics from agro-food wastes to enhance soil and crop health.
One post-doctoral position (Prebiotics and probiotics from agro-food wastes to enhance soil and crop health) is available at University of Torino in the field of sustainable plant disease management and biowaste upcycling for crop health.
This is a 24-month contract at the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences of the University of Turin under the supervision of Massimo Pugliese, professor at the same university.
Master's degree in Agricultural Biotechnology (LM-7), or in Agricultural Sciences (LM-69), or in Biology (LM-6), or in Genomic, Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology (LM-8).
B driving licence or European driving licence.
Knowledge of the Italian language.
Foreign language required: English.
The application form must be submitted electronically through the institution's own opportunities portal. You can register by filling in the form at the following link: Apply here.
November 23, 2023 at 13:00.
PROJECT TITLE: Open research officer position on the Soil and Plant Microbiome as part of the Roots2Res (Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change) project.
The successful applicant will carry out research that will increase our understanding of how crop genetics control root and rhizosphere microbial phenotypes, and how these interact with the environment to deliver an integrated crop resilience to climate stress. The impact of plant-soil interactions on the capacity of soil microbial communities to carry out important biogeochemical cycling functions, including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, will be assessed on cereal, potato, and legume annual crops. This work will be carried out as part of the Roots2Res (Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change) project, which is funded by the European Union Horizon 2021 Research & Innovation programme, and comprises a multidisciplinary team of plant physiologists, agronomists, geneticists, microbiologists, soil scientist, breeders, and modellers from twenty-two transdisciplinary project partners across thirteen countries. The aim of Root2Res, is to generate new tools to help understand the genetic control of root and rhizosphere functions associated with adaptation to climate change in rotational systems composed of annual crops and elucidate how these traits interact with the rhizosphere microbiome to deliver more sustainable crop cultivars.
The position will be primarily based in the Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-use Department in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Teagasc. Johnstown Castle is Ireland’s leading research institute on soils and environment related research, and conducts both fundamental and applied research on a wide range of subjects, including soil health, soil-plant interactions, biodiversity, nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, agroecology, and land use. Johnstown Castle is well equipped with laboratory, greenhouse and field facilities to support a wide and innovative research programme, as well as 190 hectares of farmland. It has a wide-ranging and active programme on soil and plant microbiomes in agricultural systems.
Find out more about Teagasc at this link: https://www.teagasc.ie/
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 43 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
The application form, in English, must be submitted electronically through the institution's own opportunities portal. You can register by filling in the form at the following link: Apply here.
04/05/2023 at 12:00
PROJECT TITLE: Effects of beneficial soil microbe inoculations on soil biodiversity, plant growth and plant resistance against aboveground pests and pathogens.
The aim of the project is to determine the impact of inoculation of tomato and strawberry plants with selected beneficial microbes on soil biodiversity, plant growth and defense. Greenhouse studies will be used to assess effects of microbial inoculation on plant growth, plant resistance to aboveground pathogens and insect pests, and on the efficiacy of pest biocontrol by natural enemies. Soil microbial analyses will be performed to assess effects on the soil microbial community. Gene expression (qPCR) and biochemical analyses (primary and secondary metabolites, volatile organic compounds) will be used to explore mechanisms underlying the microbe-induced effects on plant growth and defense. Similar analyses can be performed on plants from field trials in a.o. Denmark and Slovenia performed by partners in the consortium.
The project is part of the larger project EXCALIBUR (https://www.excaliburproject.eu/) funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 817946). Overall project aim of EXCALIBUR is to exploit the multifunctional potential of belowground biodiversity in horticultural farming. New multifunctional soil microbial inoculants (bio-inocula) and bio-effectors will be tested on three model crops of economic importance (tomato, apple, strawberry) under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe, and the feed-feedback effect of/on native biodiversity monitored. Excalibur will develop a comprehensive strategy of soil management improving the effectiveness of biocontrol and bio fertilization practices in agriculture.
The postdoc will be hosted by the Department of Terrestrial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is a top research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). It is located in Wageningen and focuses on fundamental and strategic research on individual organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems (https://www.nioo.knaw.nl/en)
The position is a temporary appointment for 2.5 years and is 1.0 FTE (38 hours per week). The expected start date is 17 May 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary is based on experience according to salary scale 10 under the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten). In addition to this salary, there will be an 8% holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. We also offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically via Academic Transfer. Please include a cover letter summarizing motivation and experience, a CV, and 1-3 professional referees (name, address, telephone & email). Apply here.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Arjen Biere, senior researcher NIOO-KNAW, e-mail a.biere@nioo.knaw.nl. Please do not use this e-mail address to send your application.
Everybody is different. Fortunately, as this makes working together more delightful and often leads to better end results. The KNAW believes in a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would like to get in touch with candidates who can contribute to this culture thanks to their background and experience.
A postdoc position is available for 2.5 years to conduct research within applied microbe-plant-arthropod interactions. The main tasks will focus on a field experiment in strawberry fields in Denmark to be established in 2021-23, where selected beneficial fungi will be evaluated as root inoculants for their effects on overall plant health. Parameters measured include: i) Arthropod community above-ground; ii) Soil biodiversity (microorganisms and fauna); iii) Incidence of selected plant diseases; iv) Plant production and yield. Assessment of colonization by the fungal inoculum in soil and plants will be evaluated over time with implementation of specific microbiological and molecular methods. In addition, laboratory and greenhouse experiments are planned to study specific aspects of microbe-plant-arthropod interactions. The position is within the project EXCALIBUR – Exploiting the multifunctional potential of belowground biodiversity in horticultural farming (https://www.excaliburproject.eu/) funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 817946). The postdoc will therefore become part of the project network and be involved in coordination and collaboration with European partners. Materials and methods are shared within the consortium.
The successful candidate should have a relevant PhD within entomology, plant pathology, biological control, agronomy or similar subjects. Experience with conducting experimental fieldwork and field collections of biological samples will be an advantage. Knowledge of microbiological and/or molecular methods is not a requirement, but the candidate must have an interest in acquiring such skills. Driver’s license to car is required.
Apart from research within the EXCALIBUR project, the postdoc is expected to become involved in supervision and teaching of students. The post may also include performance of other duties.
The position is based within the Section for Organismal Biology at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences: https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/organismal_biology/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Nicolai V. Meyling by e-mail: nvm@plen.ku.dk or phone +45 3533 2666
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The starting salary is currently up to DKK 437.843 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.871). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews are expected be held on 7-11 Dec 2020.
An opportunity to work on excalibur project by joining one of the consortium partners – the natural history musem (nhm)
salary: £38,037 per annum
location: south kensington
Fixed term contract: 18 months
Closing date: 9am on monday 5 october 2020
Interviews expected by 15 october 2020
The natural history museum (nhm) is a world-class visitor attraction, leading science research centre and commercial event space. we use our unique collections and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. we care for more than 80 million specimens, both in our london and tring museums, spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually.
we are at a pivotal moment in our history as we will soon launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats. building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the nhm has ambitious plans leading up to the 150 anniversary of the opening of the waterhouse building in 2031, making this a truly exciting time to be part of the nhm team.
This is a multidisciplinary position including soil mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil microbiology within the h2020-funded excalibur project in dr. javier cuadros’ and dr. anne jungblut’s research teams at the earth and life sciences departments, natural history museum, london.
the project aims to gain a better knowledge of underground soil biodiversity and their synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture. soil microbial bio-inoculants and bio-effectors are being tested on three model crops of economic importance such as tomato, apple, and strawberry under different experimental and open-field conditions across europe. feedback effects of and on native soil biodiversity and nutrient availability will be monitored.
the work will provide an excellent opportunity for a post-doctoral research scientist to train and carry out multidisciplinary investigation of soil microbial community modifications and mineral nutrient release effected by bio-inoculants.
the postdoctoral research scientist will take a leading role in designing and developing laboratory experiments with natural soils and bio-inoculants, and in testing how soil microbial assemblages respond to the presence bio-inoculants and how mineral nutrient availability is modified.
the investigation includes the use and integration of mineralogical and chemical methods as well as molecular methods, and it is foreseen that the successful candidate will require training to complement his/her previous experience.
You will have a phd in earth sciences or biological sciences, with a background knowledge of soils, and experience on either x-ray diffraction techniques for mineral analysis and chemical analysis of soils or extraction of dna from soil samples, pcr techniques and bioinformatic tools for microbial community analysis.
As well as excellent written and oral communication skills, you will be interested to be trained and acquire advanced knowledge in new experimental techniques.
HOW TO APPLY
if that sounds like you please apply online on the natural history museum’s careers portal, and provide:
We welcome applications from everyone – diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging matters to us. by attracting people to work for us from a broad range of diverse backgrounds we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. we offer a stimulating and professional environment in which to work. this is a remarkable place we look for staff who can work according to our values – we champion diversity, encourage creativity, we are connected, and we value evidence.
Research technician vacancy
UNITO has opened a temporary position (1 year) for a full time research technician working on Excalibur (WP1, WP2, WP3, on tomato and strawberry).
Application deadline: 11/10/2019
For more informations: concorsi@unito.it
This project will investigate how underground soil biodiversity is affected by novel horticultural practices. The studentship starts in October 2020 and is funded by NERC.
Read the eligibility criteria and application guidance below, then send your application to postgradoffice@nhm.ac.uk
Human impacts on the natural environment are now so great that we are eroding our own economies and food security.
Studies of how land-use change affects the biota nearly all consider only above-ground biodiversity, and most focus on taxa not strongly linked to key ecosystem services. Not enough is known about impacts on underground soil biodiversity, carbon and nutrient cycling.
The soil microbiome (bacteria, fungi and other protists) and small invertebrates are a major component of soils, are essential for maintaining key terrestrial ecosystems, and interact with the roots of plants in ways that affect plant growth, health, and resistance to pathogens.
Recent studies on horticultural crops such as tomato, strawberries and apples have shown that adding certain bacteria and fungi to crops can make it easier for plants to use the surrounding biodiversity by stimulating soil microbiota and endophytes (prebiotics), and to improve plant nutrition or protection against pathogens (probiotics), and subsequently may allow a reduction of the use of fertilisers and pesticides.
However, little is still known about the effect of novel horticultural practices on underground soil biodiversity and how to predict the response to crop types under conventional and organic management.
Statistical modelling to date mainly uses species data obtained by morphological identification but the integration of DNA-based taxa data from high throughput sequencing would also allow to consider bacteria and microbial eukaryote taxa data in addition to soil invertebrates in policy-relevant models.
The overall aims of the project are
To be eligible for a full award a student must have:
Applications for the PhD are processed through the Natural History Museum.
To apply, please send the following documents to the Postgraduate Office:
The deadline for applications is 6 January 2020.
Vacancy for Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £38,037 per annum
Location: South Kensington
The Natural History Museum (NHM) is a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre and commercial event space.
There are 350 scientific staff working across Life Sciences and Earth Sciences Departments with molecular laboratories, sequencing facilities and imaging centre in the Core Research Facilities. We use our unique collections with 80 million specimens, laboratory facilities and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today including food security, biodiversity, evolution and climate change.
We are at a pivotal moment in our history, as we will soon launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats. Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to its 150th anniversary in 2031 making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.
This position is available in the field of soil microbiology, plant diseases and the application of bio-inoculants in horticulture within the H2020-funded EXCALIBUR project in Dr Jungblut’s and Dr David Bass’s research teams at the Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London.
The project aims to gain a better knowledge of underground soil biodiversity including prokaryotes, microbial eukaryotes, and microfungi, and their synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture. Soil microbial bio-inoculants and bio-effectors will be tested on three model crops of economic importance such as tomato, apple, and strawberry under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe, and the feedback effect of and on native soil biodiversity will be monitored.
The work will provide an excellent opportunity for a post-doctoral research scientist to apply cutting-edge microbial community analysis techniques to investigate the relationship between soil microbial communities, plant diseases, microbial inoculants, environmental drivers and biogeography in horticulture.
The postdoctoral research scientist will take a leading role in the assessment of soil microbiology, microbe-plant interactions and plant diseases across study sites, as well as in the monitoring of the response of soil microbial assemblages, plant endophytes and rhizosphere in tomato, strawberries and apples on microbial inoculants during the field trials and contrasting agricultural management practices.
The successful candidate will have Bachelor or Masters Degree in sciences, PhD in relevant discipline and knowledge of fundamental microbiological and molecular biological techniques.
You will also have experience in working with environmental samples including DNA extraction and PCR, and with bioinformatic tools for microbial community structure analysis.
Contract: Fixed Term Contract – 26 months
Closing date: 09:00 on 3 February 2020
Interviews will be held on: w/c 17 February 2020
Excalibur plans to enhance the knowledge on soil biodiversity dynamics and its synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 817946. Our website reflects only the authors’ views and the EU is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2022
