Project assistant in Marine Microbial Ecology

Linnaeus University; Kalmar kommun; On-site; SEK 379,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

Linnaeus University in Kalmar invites applications for a temporary project assistant to study the ecology of marine microorganisms. The project focuses on proteorhodopsin light harvesting in bacterioplankton and its role in carbon cycling.

Work includes lab experiments with seawater samples and model organisms, using RT-qPCR and metabarcoding. The position is 100% full-time for about 7.5 months, starting October 12, 2026 or by agreement, placed in Kalmar.

Qualifications

• Completed undergraduate studies in biology, ecology, or molecular biology.
• Experience in aquatic microbial ecology and seawater sample handling.
• Ability to quantify gene expression via RT-qPCR.
• Experience preparing DNA for 16S rRNA metabarcoding.

Responsibilities

• Investigate proteorhodopsin light harvesting in marine bacterioplankton and its effect on carbon cycling.
• Conduct laboratory experiments with cultured organisms and natural microbial assemblages.
• Apply RT-qPCR and sequencing techniques for data analysis.

Skills

Microbial ecology

RT-qPCR

DNA extraction

16S rRNA metabarcoding

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited.

Change starts here!

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Research within this multidisciplinary department includes aquatic ecology, cell and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science, environmental engineering, disease ecology, animal welfare science and didactics.

The marine microbiology research group in Kalmar seeks a project assistant for studies of the ecology of marine microorganisms.

Employment and scope

The employment is temporary for about 7,5 months.

Full time

100%.

Starting date

October 12, 2026 or by agreement.

Placement city

Kalmar.

Job Description

Bacteria are major drivers of biogeochemical cycles in the sea, but molecular detail on how they impact on particular element cycles remains largely unknown. Research in this project will investigate the role of proteorhodopsin light harvesting of marine bacterioplankton in carbon cycling. Focus will be on deciphering the genetic basis for organic carbon utilization and how it is influenced by the availability of other nutrients. The work includes laboratory experiments with cultured model organisms and with natural marine bacterial assemblages. Analyses will involve state-of-the-art techniques in microbial ecology and molecular biology (e.g. gene expression analyses by RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing methodologies).

Locally, the research project is connected to the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS) and the Strong Research Environment ECOCHANGE that comprise expertise in ecology, evolution, and microbiology.

Qualifications

Requirements: We seek you that is a skilled and motivated to work in microbial ecology. A person fulfils the entry requirements by having:

• Completed undergraduate studies in biology, ecology, or molecular biology corresponding to at least 120 higher education credits.
• Documented experience in:
• aquatic microbial ecology research including working with seawater samples and microcosm/mesocosm experiments on microorganisms.
• assessing growth of bacteria in both liquid rich media and on solid media using microbiology methods.
• extraction of mRNA from natural seawater samples and bacterial isolates as well as being proficient in using reverse transcription qPCR for quantifying gene expression.
• preparing DNA samples for 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding.

Meritorious

• High proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently to solve problems.
• Capacity to interact well in a research group (i.e. team work).
• Important personal qualities are creativity, independence, resilience, and organizational skills.

Contacts

For more information, please contact:
Deputy Head of Department Andreas Svensson ([e-mail]), [phone],
Research leader Prof. Jarone Pinhassi ([e-mail]), [phone]
HR-partner Marianne Palmér ([e-mail]), [phone].

For more information on Linnaeus University and the Department of Biology and Environmental Science see Lnu.se
https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/Organisation/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciencesnew-page/

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.