Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine microbial environmental genomics

Stockholm University’s Baltic Sea Centre (BSC) conducts research on the Baltic Sea environment and supports research and education related to the Baltic Sea carried out at various departments within Stockholm University (SU). The BSC has a strong focus on science communication targeted at authorities and other stakeholders. The BSC manages and provides marine infrastructure, including field stations, research vessels, and marine modelling resources. In addition, the BSC plays a coordinating role with SU for activities conducted at the Centre for Coastal Ecosystem and Climate Change Research (CoastClim) which is run in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. In total, around 40 people work at the Baltic Sea Centre.

More information about us here: Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre

Project description

Microorganisms drive biogeochemical cycles and underpin food webs making them essential for the health and functioning of marine ecosystems. At the Baltic Sea Centre at Stockholm University research focuses on scientific issues important for understanding and managing the Baltic Sea. SeaLab – a joint research venture between the Baltic Sea Centre and the Environmental Genomics group at SciLifeLab – contributes through exploration of the marine microbiome. At SeaLab, we investigate microbial metabolism using gene, transcript and protein inventories coupled to environmental metadata.

This position will focus on microorganisms that produce and consume greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coastal Baltic Sea. While coastal ecosystems have generally been regarded as carbon sinks, recent research has shown that they can also emit methane, nitrous oxide, and underexplored VOCs. Microbial activity is key to these emissions, but we need to understand how different processes are regulated and the extent that microbial metabolism varies over time and space in relation to environmental conditions.

Main responsibilities

Research will involve analysis of meta-omic data from samples collected at the Baltic Sea Centre’s marine research station Askö and integration of environmental metadata collected in collaboration with researchers at the Baltic Sea Centre. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to field work, lab work and bioinformatic analyses including:

• Sample collection at Askö.
• Extraction of DNA, RNA, and protein.
• Analysis of meta-omic datasets.
• Integration of meta-omic and geochemical datasets.
• Outreach activities coordinated by the Baltic Sea Centre.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication and presentation of results.
• Collaboration with researchers at the Baltic Sea Centre and SciLifeLab.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

The successful candidate should have one or more of the following merits:

• Experience and knowledge of environmental microbiology.
• Experience with sample collection and field work.
• Wet-lab microbiology skills (e.g., extraction of nucleic acids and library preparation).
• Familiarity with bioinformatics for meta-omic applications.
• Ability to communicate in English, both written and orally.
• Comfortable working in a diverse research team with good interpersonal skills.
• Publications in a relevant field.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2025-08-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Emma Bell emma.bell@su.se or Christoph Humborg christoph.humborg@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.