Job Announcement Postdoc Position in Microbial Ecology Division of Microbial Ecology (www.microbial-ecology.net), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Austria A Postdoc position is available within the ERC Starting Grant project DormantMicrobes: “Revealing the function of dormant soil microorganisms and the cues for their awakening” Project description: Soils are considered the last scientific frontiers that harbor one of the most diverse microbial communities on Earth. It is hypothesized that this diversity allows for redundancy in microbial key processes, thereby ensuring ecosystem stability. Much of this functional redundancy is embodied in non-active, dormant microorganisms that represent the ‘microbial seed bank’. It is hypothesized that dormant microorganisms can be recruited to participate in a given function upon resuscitation with environmental cues. In this project we will test this hypothesis on a level that matters for ecosystem processes – the functional level – by combining stable isotope probing (SIP) and sequencing with process-level and single-cell activity analysis. The goals of this project are: (1) To reveal environmental cues that resuscitate dormant microorganisms involved in major soil functions and identify the activated microorganisms. (2) To investigate the genetics of microbial dormancy-resuscitation strategies in a natural model environment for dormancy, an arid ecosystem, by metatranscriptome analysis of critical dormancy-resuscitation steps. (3) To retrieve genomic information of primarily dormant, but after resuscitation active, microorganisms involved in important soil processes, as they presumably contain so far unknown genomic potential. With this we will generate essential knowledge on the stability of microbial key processes and on the diversity, the function and the genetics of the dormant majority in terrestrial ecosystems. Required qualifications. We are looking for a highly motivated and independently working scientist with interest in collaborative & fundamental microbial ecology research. Applicants should have a PhD degree in the biological sciences and a strong background in microbial physiology, environmental microbiology or soil microbial ecology. Experience in one or more of the following areas/techniques will be of advantage: stable isotope probing, metagenomics/metatranscriptomics, NextGen sequencing, bioinformatics, isotope analytics, single-cell genomics and cultivation of microorganisms from environmental samples. Good communication skills in English (written and spoken) and the ability to work in a team are essential. Conditions of appointment. We offer up to 3 years of appointment according to the salary scheme of the University of Vienna. The University of Vienna is an equal opportunity employer. Application details. Applicants should submit a letter of motivation, a detailed CV (including a brief description of research interests, previous employments, and publication list), reprints of your two most important published articles and 2 reference letters. These documents should be submitted as pdf files by email to dormancy@microbial-ecology.net. Start date is Fall 2015. Evaluation of applicants will start in July 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.