Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 24.000 - 30.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The European Commission is seeking a research assistant focused on microbial ecology for a project aimed at studying plant-associated microbial communities. This role in Spain involves conducting experiments on bacteria interactions, utilizing molecular biology techniques, and engaging in science communication activities. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, alongside strong skills in microbiology and bioinformatics.

Formación

• Experience in microbiology and molecular biology is essential.
• B2 level proficiency in English and knowledge of Portuguese preferred.
• Experience in science communication targeted at outreach activities is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct experimental work related to bacteria interactions.
• Perform bioinformatic analysis and prepare culture media.
• Present research results at meetings and participate in outreach activities.

Conocimientos

Microbiology

Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics

Plant-Microbe Interactions

Science Communication

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology

Master's degree in Microbiology (preferred)

Herramientas

High-throughput sequencing

PCR

DNA/RNA/Protein Extraction

Statistical Data Analysis

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology Research Field Biological sciences » Other Environmental science » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 1 Jul 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number 2024-T1/BIO-31220 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The selected candidate will join the project 2024-T1/BIO-31220 as a research assistant in microbial ecology, focusing on bacteria interaction in the wheat rhizosphere. The main responsibilities will include:

· Participation in experimental work related to bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-plant interactions.

· Preparation of culture media, phenotyping of bacterial strains and bacteriophages individually and their interactions.

· Application of molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA/Protein extraction, PCR, and bacterial mutagenesis.

· Bioinformatic analysis, including genome and metagenome sequencing, assembling and annotation, 16S rRNA amplicon sequence analysis, phylogenomic analysis, comparative genomic studies and statistical data analysis.

· Analysis of metabolites and proteins produced during microbial interactions.

· Plant-microbiome interaction assays in microcosms.

· Presentation of results at scientific meetings and participation in outreach and science communication activities.

The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment with a growing team focussed on the ecology of plant-associated microbial communities.

• Degree in Biotechnology or a related field.
• Having completed or currently pursuing a master’s degree in Microbiology will be positively valued, particularly if focused on environmental microbiology. Preference will be given to candidates with top grades in subjects such as plant-microbe interactions, microbial ecology or environmental biotechnology.
• Demonstrated experience in microbiology, molecular biology, plant-microbe interactions, and bioinformatics, including hands-on knowledge of high-throughput sequencing, metagenomic analysis, amplicon sequencing analysis, and the use of UNIX-based systems.
• Practical experience in protein isolation and characterization techniques.
• Academic stays abroad of long duration will be positively evaluated.
• English language proficiency at level B2 or higher. Knowledge of additional languages will be considered an asset, particularly certified Portuguese, due to potential collaborations with research groups in Portugal.
• Experience in science communication, specially outreach activities targeted at younger audiences, such as creation of education or outreach materials, social media initiatives, etc.

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or a related field.
• Experience (theoretical and/or practical) in microbiology, molecular biology and plant-microbe interactions.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing.
• English language proficiency at level B2 or higher.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages PORTUGUESE Level Excellent

Languages SPANISH Level Excellent

Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

Additional comments

Applications to this offer must compulsory be registered through the online application system of UAM. Nevertheless, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the PI beforehand to discuss their suitability for the position, and to seek for assistance with the online application system .