PhD Climet: Microbial methane cycling in arctic lakes

PhD Climet: Microbial Methane Cycling in Arctic Lakes - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

What will you be doing?

You will be working on the CLIMET project (Climate feedbacks and methane cycling in Arctic lakes: enzymes to atmosphere).

The recent increase in atmospheric methane is attributed to an imbalance between microbial production and degradation. Methane emissions from warming Arctic lakes are an important climatic feedback loop, potentially contributing to this imbalance. Alongside warming, the input of organic carbon as well as the input of glacial dust, containing elements (among which rare earth metals), affects methane cycling in arctic lakes. The CLIMET project team will map the impact of organic carbon and lanthanide-containing glacial dust on the Arctic methane cycle from the genes involved to the impact on methane emission from Greenland's lakes.

You will be executing laboratory experiments which will be carried out in close cooperation with a post-doc to be recruited. In laboratory settings, you will investigate lake-derived methane cycling microbial communities under influence of DOM/glacial dust combinations and its effects on methane emission. Biotic interactions with other microbes, phyto- and zooplankton will be a major focal point as is the link between methane and nitrogen cycling under anoxic conditions. The successful execution of these experiments will entail a combination of classical microbiological (cultivation, microscopy), chemical analytical (GC, GC-MS, GC-IRMS, GC-TOF-MS, ICP), molecular biological (QPCR, metagenomics, transcriptomics) as well as stable isotopic cell-labelling techniques (NanoSIMS, GC-IRMS-PLFA), flowcytometry). The experiments carried will be interlinked with the partners at Radboud University and Utrecht University, which also offers opportunities to participate in field work in Greenland.

What will you be contributing?

• Executing lab experiments assessing methane cycling in Arctic freshwaters.
• Work closely together with the NIOO Post-doc on assessing effect of DOM and glacial dust on biotic interactions affecting methane cycling in various laboratory settings.
• Develop a flow-through column-based lab system to study effects of biotic interactions on methane emission is influenced by glacial dust-DOM combinations.
• Closely collaborate with other ClIMET team members.
• Publish results in scientific journals.
• Contribute to maintaining a friendly, welcoming and collaborative environment within the group.

What skills do you bring in?

• A master degree in biogeochemistry, microbiology or related disciplines.
• Experience in microbial ecology, preferably in relation to methane microbiology.
• Desirable methodological skills: Experience in microbiological cultivation techniques, microscopic techniques, and general methods of molecular microbial ecology, NGS and multi-omics analysis, chemical analytical as well as use of stable isotopes.
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the CLIMET team and to the NIOO-KNAW community.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

What do we offer

A 4-year PhD position (1.0FTE) within the vibrant department of Microbial Ecology, with a preferred starting date of 1 August 2025.

You will be based at NIOO-KNAW and part of a multidisciplinary team (NIOO-KNAW, Radboud University (Nijmegen), Utrecht University) and will be closely cooperating with 3 other post-docs, 2 PhD students and a technician recruited on this project.

About NIOO
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.901.- and the maximum salary is €3.707.- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.