PhD Student in Plastic degradation project
Project background
Everyday, we are surrounded by plastic, which has become an indispensable part of our lives. Each year,
approximately 460 millionmetrictons (Mt) of plastic are produced, leading to significant amounts of plastic
waste (OECD,2022).The problem is worsened by the fact that nearly half of all plastic products are used
for packaging material with a short lifespan of 6-12 months(Geyer, Jambeck, and Law 2017).A solution to
this problem is to use less plastic products while simultaneously improving our plastic recyclingabilities.
Biorecycling is a promising approach to achieve sustainable plastic recycling and to move towards a
circular economy that allows there purposing of plastic waste. This method is based on enzymes typically
found in microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Once identified,these enzymes are optimized and
expressed to degrade plastic waste (Hou et al. 2021).
Job description
A full-time PhD position for 4 years starting as soon as possible. You will work in an interdisciplinary
laboratory with strong expertise in Microbiology, Bioinformatics and Protein expression. Throughout the
project there will be mentoring opportunities, including bachelor and master students’ projects. You will
actively participate in group and institute duties as well as teaching activities.As an integral part of your
work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at (inter)national
conferences.
The position will be based in the Environmental OMICS Group(E-OMICS group) headed by Prof. C. Rinke
at the Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.https://rinkelab.org/
Job profile
Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or related disciplines from an accredited university.
Experience in the use of bioinformatics tools for the characterisation of microbes, e.g. metagenomics, transcriptomics. Knowledge of molecular biology, e.g. DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, enzyme assays, preparation of sequencing libraries, etc. is an advantage. Proficiency in English, good communication skills, and social competence are required. High self-motivation with commitment to scientific excellence and willingness to travel.
We offer
Ph.D. student employed at the University of Innsbruck (full social security coverage under the Austrian national law). The gross salary for these positions will be~ €1.789,40 (20h/week) and after dissertation agreement increase to ~€2.684,10 (30h/week)
Diverse and exciting research projects on cutting edge topics Continuing personal and professional education, as a part of the graduate school.
We look forward to receiving your application Applications must include the following documents:
- A CV based on the Europass template including publications, conference contributions, and other
scientific activities (if applicable)
-A cover letter where you describe your previous experience and how you see yourself contributing to the
project
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates, if the degree certificate is not yet available, a current
collective certificate
-Contact information of 3 references who will be asked for a recommendation letter during the later stages
of the interview process.
Fachgebiet
Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or related disciplines
Arbeitgeber
University Innsbruck
Arbeitsstätte
Stunden
30
Antrittsdatum
01. Jänner 2025
Bewerbungsfrist
27. November 2024