PRR Project

Summary

Job descriptionThe current position involves research into the biology of microalgae and cyanobacteria, particularly with regard to chemical-ecological interactions and ecotoxicology. The aim is to use the research results in these areas to develop biotechnological applications based on chemical-ecological interactions through secondary metabolites produced by microalgae and cyanobacteria, including intercellular communication. Suitable applications would include the use of phytoplankton toxins for the bioremediation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), the study of intercellular communication to improve the production of microalgae biomass on an industrial scale and pharmacological applications. The research to be conducted would be mainly based on experimental laboratory work. This laboratory work will mainly be designed and analyzed using robust statistical tools. Statistics will also be used to support the research of other research teams in the institution. A considerable part of the experimental research should be carried out in collaboration with molecular biologists and biochemists in the field of transcriptomics and proteomics as well as in the emerging field of eco-omics. To this end, experience with bioinformatics tools for the analysis of datasets generated in these research areas is required. Finally, the candidate may be involved in university teaching activities at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as some other postgraduate training activities. Scientific profileThe profile of this position will advance the state of art by addressing cutting-edge research topics. Research under this position will mainly aim to improve the understanding of chemical interactions between microorganisms such as allelopathy and intercellular communication through quorum sensing. The manipulation of these types of interactions holds tremendous potential that could lead to significant improvements in the bioremediation of HABs, aquaculture, microalgae biomass production and the production of high-value metabolites from microalgae cultures. Another emerging and forward-looking area that we want to address is eco-omics. This is an independent field of research, which in this position will be integrated into the already described study of chemical interactions and cellular communication of microorganisms.The candidate should have a PhD degree and a general background in a field related to marine and freshwater biology and ecology. More specifically, the candidate should have developed their research career with a focus on studying the chemical interactions of microalgae and cyanobacteria and investigate their basic biology, biochemistry, ecology and ecotoxicology. All this with a view to basic research, but also potential uses in bioremediation and biotechnological applications, particularly in the context of microalgae bioreactors. The candidate should have a proven track record in statistical methods and programming as well as bioinformatics skills to perform and support research in transcriptomics and proteomics. In addition, the candidate should have demonstrated some level of involvement in academic teaching activities at the university at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Involvement in postgraduate training activities is also highly valued. RationaleThe importance of this position to the institution is based on two aspects. First, it will support the ongoing research of other members of the institution´s research team in important aspects (statistical tools, bioinformatics applied to transcriptomics and proteomics). Biotechnological research generally lacks serious statistical tools, although they are crucial for experimental design and further analysis with robustly developed models. There are currently no researchers with a strong statistical background in the institution. There are bioinformaticians in the research institution, but they are specialized in phylogenetics or metabolomics, not in transcriptomics or proteomics. Therefore, this support will increase the quality of the research carried out by the teams integrated in the biotechnology line, which is of strategic importance for the research institution. Secondly, this research position will consolidate in the research institution a new cutting-edge line for the physio-ecological study of chemical interactions and cellular communication in aquatic microorganisms, which offers enormous potential, that has not yet been unveiled, for the Biotechnology strategic research line. Finally, through its appointment to teach in official university grades and occasional postgraduate training activities, it will contribute to improving the position and visibility of the research institution as a knowledge hub.