Ph.D. Positions in Biogeochemistry / Environmental Chemistry / Boreal Forest
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Ph.D. positions in Biogeochemistry / Environmental chemistry / Boreal forest The Laboratory of Terrestrial Biogeochemistry of the Université de Sherbrooke (Qc, Canada) is seeking for applicants to fill one or two Ph.D positions in Biogeochemistry / Environmental chemistry. Presentation of the University: Located in Canada, in the Province of Quebec, the Université de Sherbrooke is a French- speaking institution that offers you the opportunity to benefit from an academic education that is recognized and valued around the world. The Université de Sherbrooke has been welcoming international students ever since it was founded and each year the numbers increase. Currently, more than 1600 foreign students from 120 countries worldwide attend the Université de Sherbrooke. In Quebec, universities are the only source of higher education. The North-American system is not comprised of grandes écoles or private higher education institutions. North-American universities are considered prestigious establishments and students receive high quality training and recognized diplomas. They can be compared to the European institutes of higher education (grandes écoles) for the quality of education. The Université de Sherbrooke is situated in the southern part of Quebec, 150 km from Montréal, 220 km from Québec City and some 40 km from the American border. http://www.usherbrooke.ca/ Presentation of the Laboratory: The research developed in the Laboratory aims to characterize metal dynamics in soil and its impact on microbial activity with a specific interest for N2 fixing organisms. We are particularly focusing on metal acquisition and use by N2 fixing organisms. Our research relies on a strong expertise in analytical chemistry, associated to solid knowledge in biology and soil sciences. The techniques used in the laboratory are diverse and adapted to multidisciplinary researches; Liquid, Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, Polymerase Chain Reaction, etc. The research projects developed in our laboratory offers great opportunities to students willing to complete their inter- and multidisciplinary formation. For more information on the Chemistry department and the lab: http://labbellenger.recherche.usherbrooke.ca/ Description of project #1: Study the effect of global climate change on N2 fixation by mosses in boreal forest. Specific aims of the project: The aims of the project are (i) to better understand the parameters controlling N2 fixation by mosses in boreal forest, especially metal availability in moss carpets and (ii) evaluate the effect of global climate change (increasing CO2 concentration and increasing temperature) on N2 fixation by mosses. Context: Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the main source of new nitrogen (N) to unmanaged terrestrial ecosystems. In recent years, N2 fixation associated with mosses has captured the interest of the scientific community for its importance toward global N input in high latitude ecosystems. BNF is catalysed by the enzyme nitrogenase which activity strongly relies on key metals (iron, molybdenum, vanadium). How metal dynamics in soil control BNF is still unclear. In the context of global climate change, it is imperative to better characterise metal dynamics in moss carpets and to better evaluate the impact of global climate change on N2 fixation by moss carpets. Description of project # 2 Study "cross reign" communication within N2 fixing symbioses Specific aim of the project: The aim of the project is to identify info-chemicals (chemical compounds) involved in partner recognition and symbiosis establishment. Context: Lichens are present in most terrestrial ecosystems and are the dominant organisms of 8% of them. As primary colonizer, lichens are essential to the development of proto-soils allowing further vegetative successions. Lichens are also a valuable source of food for many organisms, including large mammals in boreal forests. But more importantly, lichens are critical contributors to the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen (N) in high latitude ecosystems (boreal and polar). Lichens are symbiotic associations between a fungus (mycobiont), an alga (phycobiont) and/or a cyanobacterium (cyanobiont). Our understanding of the processes controlling the formation of such complex association is still elusive. The recognition of potential partners and the initiation of the processes leading to the establishment of the lichen symbiosis likely involve an exchange of information between partners. By analogy with other symbioses and biological interactions (reproduction, predator-prey) this information is likely transferred by chemical compounds (or infochemicals). Infochemicals in lichen symbiosis remain poorly characterized. Description of project #3: Study the effect of lichen substances on metal acquisition in multipartite lichens. Specific aim of the project: The aim of the project is to identify new lichen substance (metal binding ligands) and to determine they role in metal acquisition by lichens. Context: Iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V) are essential micronutrients for the activity of the nitorgenase enzyme responssible for nitrogen fixation. The mechanisms controlling the acquisition of these micronutrients by N2 fixing lichens remain unclear. In many lichens, tolerance to heavy metals relies on the production of organic acids (e.g. oxalic acid) or secondary metabolites that immobilize metals at the surface of the thallus. The role of organic compounds on heavy metal tolerance in lichen is a long standing question, well documented in the literature and is still the subject of very active researches. In comparison, our understanding of metal acquisition is very limited. Candidate Profile Project # 1 The research requires good skill in analytical chemistry and microbiology. Knowledge on biogeochemistry or molecular biology would be appreciated. Basic knowledge in bryology, lichenology or ecology would be a plus but is not obligatory. Project # 2 and 3 Since the main task of the research projects is to develop techniques for extraction, separation and characterization (e.g. UHPLC-Q-ESI-TOF) of natural molecules, a strong expertise in analytical chemistry is essential. We are seeking for specific expertise on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Knowledge in bioinformatics would be appreciated. Background in metabolomics or biogeochemistry will be appreciated. Basic or advance knowledge in microbiology, plant physiology or ecology would be a plus but is not obligatory. How to apply? Send: CV, master (or equivalent) ranking, a cover letter (please indicate the project of interest) and 2 letters of reference to [email protected]. ******* Complete files will be reviewed within few days after reception. ******** ******* Positions will be filled as soon as possible. ******** //////// Incomplete files will not be considered //////// .