A fully funded PhD scholarship is available from March 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter on diatoms and their photonic qualities at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. The PhD will be an integrated part of the research project ALPHA - ALgae PHotonics Applications. The project involves partners from The Department of Biology and The Natural History Museum, University of Copenhagen, DTU Photonic and DTU Mechanical Engineering, Danish Technical University, and Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Unit of Naples, National Research Council, Italy.
Project area:
The PhD study involves establishing strains of diatoms with specific characteristics and maintaining these in culture for studying the morphological and photonic characteristics of different diatoms. The study will also include molecular characterization and performing physiological experiments with selected diatom strains. The project focuses on examining the use of diatom frustules for a number of different applications, including testing UV reflecting capabilities and embedding the diatom frustules in different matrices.
The supervisors are Dr. Marianne Ellegaard, Department of Biology, Dr. Nina Lundholm, Natural History Museum.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have a master´s degree (MSc) in Biology (with an interest in physics) or physics (with knowledge of biological systems). The candidate should have a background in eukaryote microbiology, marine or freshwater biology and have as many as possible of the following skills:
- Isolation and cultivation of microorganisms, algae or protozoa
- Identification and characterization of microorganisms
- Experience with light and electron microscopy
- Experimental design and statistical analysis
- Excellent English speaking, reading and writing
- Ability to independently run experiments
- A documented interest in photonics
The candidate should be self-motivated, enterprising and hardworking. The candidate should preferable be able to document the ability to write scientifically, e.g. by already published peer-review papers.
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen. Information about the PhD program at the Faculty of Science can be found at
http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 304.054 (April 2012 level) plus pension contribution with the possibility of salary negotiation.
How to apply:
Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically including:
- 1) A motivation for the application with statement of research interests
- 2) A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
- 3) List of publications
- 4) Copy of M.Sc. diploma and grade transcript
- 5) A short abstract of MSc thesis
- 6) Names, emails and telephone numbers and address of 2-3 referees.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
The deadline for applications is February 15, 2013.
Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science starting March 1, 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Source: http://www.ku.dk/english/available_positions/vip/