We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work with Dr Ulisse Cardini on “Positive species interactions and microbial ecology of seagrasses”. Find the link below to submit your application!

About the organisation:

The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) – National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology is an internationally renowned center for marine research with headquarters located in Napoli, Italy. You will be primarily based at the Genoa Marine Center (GMC), a territorial seat of the SZN located in the coastal city of Genoa and dedicated to the study of marine biodiversity and the identification of viable solutions for its conservation. The GMC provides a vibrant international and interdisciplinary environment for conducting marine research, located in the heart of one of Italy’s most underrated gems, and embedded in an environment known worldwide for its breadth of marine research.

About the project:

Increasing evidence suggests that positive interactions with invertebrates and the microbial community are vital to sustain seagrass ecosystems functioning and survival. Nonetheless, such species interactions received sparse attention in these systems. In this project, we will focus on two study systems: i) Posidonia oceanica and the sponge Chondrilla nucula and ii) Cymodocea nodosa and the lucinid bivalve Loripes orbiculatus. In each of these model associations, we will assess whether the organisms alone vs the association can reduce levels of local/regional stressors, alone or in combination with global stressors, using in situ and mesocosm experiments. We will simultaneously investigate diversity and function of host-associated and free-living microbes, to evaluate their role in promoting the success of the association. This project requires a candidate with strong motivation and scientific independence, ideally with previous experience of laboratory techniques and analysis in microbial ecology and of in situ and/or mesocosm experimentation.

The candidate will be part of the Marine Symbiomes Research Group and working within the frame of the project ENGAGE (https://www.marinesymbiomes.eu/engage) funded by the Italian Ministry of Research PRIN call 2022 – grant n.20223R4FJK. The candidate will thus have the opportunity to collaborate with the project partners and wider network.

Your qualifications:

You should have MSc degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences or equivalent. A PhD degree in Marine Sciences, Biogeochemistry or an equivalent degree is an asset, but not mandatory. An interest in (geo)microbiology and microbial symbioses, and the willingness and capacity to interact in a multidisciplinary team, are essential. You should be fluent in spoken and written English and have a good publication record.

What we offer:

The position is offered for 12 months, renewable. The salary will be in accordance with the so-called Assegno di Ricerca for a gross total over the one-year period of €19,456.83 (subject to social security contributions but exempt from taxation).

At the GMC-SZN we strive for gender and diversity equality and we encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities as outlined for this project.

How to apply:

To apply, please follow this link: https://www.szn.it/index.php/it/bandi-e-concorsi/bandi-di-concorso/assegni-di-ricerca/bandi-attivi and the guidelines mentioned under “Assegno di Ricerca n. 27/2024”.

Please carefully read the excerpt from the announcement, translated in English, provided at this link.

The application deadline is April 04, 2024. Evaluations are planned shortly thereafter, and interviews will be conducted from remote on April 19, 2024. We seek to initiate the position by May 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Additional information:

Please contact Dr Ulisse Cardini (project leader, Head of the Marine Symbiomes Research Group, Email: ulisse.cardini@szn.it) for any informal enquiry.