Center for Applied and Environmental Microbiology at the Chengdu Institute of Biology (CIB), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is one of the leading centers in China for environmental microbiology research, especially in biological pesticides R&D, microbial bioremediation technology, biogas technology and anaerobic microbiology. The research in The Laboratory of Microbial Biofuel and Microbial Diversity (LMBMD) at this center applies genomic and metagenomic approaches to investigate microbial community structure and function in artificial and natural ecosystems（http://www.cib.cas.cn/jgsz/kyxt/yyyhjwswyjzx/wswyjtz/lixiangzhen/）. Several postdoctoral positions are available studying one of following topics in LMBMD.
1.Spatial-temporal dynamics and functional potential of soil microbial community in the Inner Mongolian steppe
The postdoctoral researcher will employ metagenomic tools (pyrosequencing, Geochip analysis, metagenome) to investigate soil microbial composition and functional potential in the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia. Our team members have conducted microbial ecology work in this area for some years, and accumulated many data. Basically we are interested in exploring microbial response (phylogenetic and functional groups) to different environmental parameter gradients. Through metagenomic study, we want to establish a predictive model of the community composition and functional potential of the microbial community under different environmental conditions using interpretation tools.
We are looking for someone with a strong interest in environmental microbiology, bioinformatics and molecular ecology, and those who are competent in learning and developing metagenomic tools applied in environmental microbiology. Ph.D.holders in one of disciplines relevant to microbiology, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, and other related subjects are encouraged to apply. Research experiences in biological statistics and metagenomic data analysis (QIIME, RDP, metagenomic annotation, metabolic pathway analysis) and computer knowledge on Linux and Perl are especially welcome.
2. Comparative metagenome
Metagenome database provides abundant information on microbial composition and functional potential. With the accumulation of metagenome database from various ecosystems, comparative metagenome through deep data mining and meta-data analysis are very useful to extract general principles exist in the microbial world. The postdoctoral researcher will employ bioinformatics tools to explore phylogenetic and metabolic patterns in the anaerobic microbial ecosystem, the core microbial community and assembly hue for a specific ecosystem. Ph.D. holders with experiences in bioinformatics, molecular microbiology and biochemistry are encouraged to apply. We also welcome those from other related majors who are competent in learning comparative metagenome. Experiences in biological statistics, mathematic model, computer knowledge on Linux and Perl, metagenomic data analysis are especially welcome.
3. Hydrogen metabolic pathway in anaerobic microorganism
Hydrogen is an important intermediate in anaerobic metabolic style. The hydrogen oxidation and production, and associated electron transfer pathway are not completely clear in anaerobic microorganisms, such as Desulfovibrio members. In this study, we will first conduct comparative genomic and transcriptomic investigations on putative genes and pathways involved in H2 metabolism and energy conservation based on current available genomes of Desulfovibrio species. For the interesting candidate genes, we will elucidate its function through biochemistry and molecular biology technique (gene cloning, gene deletion) or structure biology tools. Ph.D. holders with experiences in molecular microbiology and biochemistry are encouraged to apply.
4. Syntrophic interactions in the biogas plant
Microbial interaction is very important for the anaerobic biogas production. Microbial composition and their functional potential can be elucidated through metagenomic and metatranscriptomic survey. The study will provide important information on ecological niche and dynamics of microorganisms, and their response to perturbation. We will focus on multiple syntrophic interactions and metabolic flow in biogas production system fed with manure, and the effects of the changes in microbial interaction on methane production rate and yield. Ph.D. holders with experiences in environmental microbiology, molecular microbiology and biochemistry are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should send detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications and the names and addresses of three professional references to Dr. Xiangzhen Li through email: lixz@cib.ac.cn.
Start date is as soon as possible. The positions will be initially for two years, and possibly extend, or become a research staff in our institute. The salary and benefits is based on the regulation of Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Chengdu Institute of Biology is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce.