Postdoctoral Researcher in Protist Single-Cell Genomics

1000scholars; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University’s Department of Chemistry and Bioscience seeks a skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to develop next-generation laboratory methods for single-cell genomics and transcriptomics of uncultured protists. The appointment runs from 1 January 2027 for three years, in a project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, with partners in the UK and US.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in microbiology or biotechnology, with hands-on experience in molecular methods, genomics,

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date).
• Track record of first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Hands-on experience with molecular lab methods, nucleic acid extraction, WGA, library prep, and sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Integrate cutting-edge technologies into protist single-cell workflows.
• Improve single-cell lysis and DNA amplification across protist lineages.
• Publish results in leading journals and share protocols with the research community.

Skills

Molecular laboratory methods

Genomics or transcriptomics

Microfluidics or droplet-based methods

Flow cytometry and cell sorting

Education

PhD in microbiology/biotechnology or related field

Tools

Droplet microfluidics

Flow cytometry

Long-read sequencing

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Protist Single-Cell Genomics

Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

Do you want to push the frontiers of technology to read the genomes of uncultured, unicellular eukaryotes that shape ecosystems across our planet?

At Aalborg University’s Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, we seek a skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop next-generation laboratory methods for single-cell genomics and transcriptomics of uncultured protists.

The position is part of an international project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and conducted in collaboration with the Earlham Institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, and the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa.

The appointment starts from 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter and is a fixed-term position for 3 years.

Your work tasks

• Integrating cutting-edge technologies, including droplet microfluidics with semi-permeable capsules, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and long-read sequencing, into analytical workflows tailored to protists in diverse environmental samples
• Improving single-cell lysis and DNA amplification methods tailored to diverse protist lineages
• Publishing results in leading journals and openly sharing protocols with the research community

You will also be able to train in bioinformatics tools for microbial single-cell genomics through work alongside our bioinformatics team.

The project involves close collaboration with partner laboratories in the UK and the US, including shared benchmark samples, research stays, and workshops. This makes it a strong platform for building diverse, international research experiences and professional networks.

Your competencies

You must hold a PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date) and have a track record of first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

The ideal candidate has documented hands-on experience with one or more of the following: molecular laboratory methods, including nucleic acid extraction, whole-genome amplification, library preparation, and sequencing; genomics or transcriptomics of microorganisms; microfluidics or droplet-based methods; and flow cytometry and cell sorting.

• molecular laboratory methods, including nucleic acid extraction, whole-genome amplification, library preparation, and sequencing
• genomics or transcriptomics of microorganisms
• microfluidics or droplet-based methods
• flow cytometry and cell sorting

Experience with protists or other microbial eukaryotes, and either experience or a strong interest in bioinformatics, are advantages.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as is genuine enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.

Deadline 20 November