[ES_JOBS_NET] 2 year postdoc: Atmosphere Microbial Habitability Modelling. Marseille, France.

[James Bradley]

2 year postdoc: Atmosphere Microbial Habitability Modelling. Marseille,
France.

We are seeking a 24-month Postdoc (PhD-level position) in Marseille,
France, to work on a Human Frontier Science Project (HFSP) funded project
‘The atmosphere: a living, breathing ecosystem?’. The project is a
collaboration involving the MIO in Marseille (France), the University of
Guelph (Canada), Monash University (Australia) and Arizona State University
(USA). The position is under the supervision of Dr. James Bradley (
https://www.jbradleylab.com/).

The overall aim of our project is to resolve the composition, capabilities,
and activities of atmospheric microbes at a global scale, to distinguish
whether the atmosphere exhibits structure and microbial activity
characteristic of a true ecosystem, or if it is simply a passive dispersal
medium for microorganisms.

The postdoc will develop theoretical modelling approaches (including
bioenergetics calculations and power-based ecosystem modelling) to
investigate the potential habitability and ecological structure and
function of microbial communities in the atmosphere. The initial focus for
the postdoc is to model the habitability and ecological processes occurring
in Earth's atmosphere, and then to translate the tools and knowledge
generated to the atmosphere of other planetary bodies or exoplanets.

The PDRA will develop, implement and apply microbial bioenergetics
ecosystem modelling tools to study the atmosphere, including its resident
microorganisms and its overall habitability. Modelling will focus on:
(i) Connecting the physicochemical characteristics of the atmosphere with
its (potentially) resident microorganisms.
(ii) Determining plausible rates of energy-generating and energy-requiring
reactions for atmosphere-dwelling microorganisms and assess catabolic and
anabolic activity.
(iii) Combining various (biological, geochemical and geophysical) datasets
to assess the survival and potential growth of atmosphere-dwelling
microorganisms (using data generated by the project, as well as existing
data).
(iv) Assessing habitability of Earth’s atmosphere and habitability indices
of the atmospheres of other planetary bodies.

The postdoc will be embedded within a larger international team of
microbiologists, geochemists, engineers and astrobiologists who are working
collaboratively to understand the atmosphere is as a 'living, breathing
ecosystem'. The postdoc will be a full member of the HFSP research and as
well as modelling, is expected to participate in the team’s data analyses
and synthesis efforts, participate in cross-discipline collaboration,
training and knowledge sharing exercises, and may take part in fieldwork.

The position is based at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography on the
Luminy Campus of Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France, and will be
expected to lead the presentation of findings at national and international
conferences, and publish in leading academic journals.

It is full time post for 2 years with the possibility of extension subject
to available funds, with an expected start date in May 2024 or as soon as
possible after that date. The successful candidate will be entitled to 49
days of holiday per year, with the possibility of remote working. The
successful candidate will also enjoy a vibrant research group, access to
excellent research facilities and platforms at the Mediterranean Institute
of Oceanography and Aix-Marseille University, and be embedded in a team
committed to high scientific integrity, open and reproducible science, and
promoting inclusivity.

Marseille is an affordable, vibrant and historic city on the Mediterranean
coast, with culinary excellence, diverse cultural experiences, and a large
international community. The candidate will be based in the Mediterranean
Institute of Oceanography, on the Luminy campus of Aix-Marseille
Université, which is surrounded by nature being nestled among the
spectacular Calanques National Park.

The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting
professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the
administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the
various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and
entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in
opening a bank account, etc.

The successful candidate should have:
• PhD (by time of appointment) in a relevant natural science discipline,
and a track-record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed
publications.
• Specialist knowledge and demonstrable experience in numerical,
bioenergetic, ecosystem and/or habitability modelling.
• Strong mathematical skills and programming experience.
• Experience with analysis of observational and/or model-derived datasets.
• Strong understanding of microbial processes in the context of microbial
ecology, habitability, astrobiology and/or extreme environments.
• Evidence of ability to publish research results in international
peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of the physics, chemistry, climate and biology of the
atmosphere of Earth and/or other planetary bodies is desirable.
• Ability to organize and prioritize own work, and organize research within
the project timetable.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr James Bradley (
james.bradley at mio.osupytheas.fr).

To apply for the role, please email Dr. James Bradley (
james.bradley at mio.osupytheas.fr) and include the following attachments (in
English):
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating your motivation for applying to
this position, research interests, relevant skills, training and experience.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Copy of official transcript(s).
• Contact information for at least two and up to 3 references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and until the final
deadline of 10 May 2024. Interviews (in-person or remotely via
teleconference/zoom) are expected to be held in May 2024.

https://academicpositions.com/ad/aix-marseille-universite/2024/two-year-postdoc-in-atmosphere-microbial-habitability-modelling/212787
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mailman.ucar.edu/pipermail/es_jobs_net/attachments/20240304/393ed7a1/attachment-0001.htm>