After delayed, yet inspiring and very well received online/in person regional conferences in 2021, the ISMET community is looking forward to the next international meeting – in person – in Chania, Grete 2022.
News
Postdoc for sea bed methane cycling by reversible EET
Description
A new source of methane was recently discovered in a subsurface zone of the seabed, where the production and oxidation of methane occur concurrently. Preliminary work indicates that archaea and bacteria may here exchange electrons in the sediment through minerals that function as electrical conductors and capacitors. The working hypothesis is that the archaea are able to reverse the direction of their energy metabolism depending on whether they interact with electron accepting or electron donating bacteria. The specific objective is to unravel the processes using sensitive radiotracer experiments and to identify the microbial physiology of archaea involved in this cryptic methane cycling. The results will be of general importance for the understanding of methane biogeochemistry.
The project is a collaboration between the University of Southern Denmark and Aarhus University, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team covering molecular microbiology, electromicrobiology, microbial physiology and biogeochemistry. We seek a highly motivated candidate with an academic background and documented experience in aquatic microbiology and microbial process studies.
Institution contact information
Aarhus University, Denmark
Contact email address
nat-tech.hr.emply@au.dk
Deadline
01-10-2021
External link
https://international.au.dk/about/profile/vacant-positions/job/postdoctoral-position-on-seabed-methane-cycling-at-the-section-for-microbiology-at-aarhus-university-denmark
Postdoctoral position on electromicrobiological oxygen production in sediment
Description
Cable bacteria are filamentous microorganisms that transfer electrons across centimetre-scale distances, coupling distant oxidation and reduction reactions in aquatic sediment. Cable bacteria conserve energy by coupling the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide produced in deeper sediment layers to the reduction of oxygen diffusing into sediment from the overlying water. There is some evidence that under certain circumstances cable bacteria can reverse their oxygen reduction reaction in deep sediment, producing trace amounts of molecular oxygen from water. This oxygen then becomes available for respiration by aerobic bacteria in the surrounding sediment. This phenomenon has the potential to turn our concept of what “anoxic” sediment is upside-down. The successful candidate will investigate this process using a diverse suite of methods, including planar optodes, microsensors, stable isotope labeling, and metatranscriptomics.
This position is financed by the Villum Foundation. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, technicians and students in the Center for Electromicrobiology (http://cem.au.dk), funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, to achieve the project goals. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a background in microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental science, soil science, marine science, or other related fields.
Institution contact information
Aarhus University, Denmark
Contact email address
nat-tech.hr.emply@au.dk
Deadline
01-11-2021
External link
https://www.au.dk/om/stillinger/job/postdoctoral-position-on-electromicrobiological-oxygen-production-in-sediment/
NA-ISMET 2021 abstract submission
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to announce that the North American Meeting of the International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology (NA-ISMET) will be hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California on November 17-19, 2021. The meeting is supported by the United States Department of Energy, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and ISMET members. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we anticipate that registration fees will be kept to a minimum, particularly for students and other junior scientists who are ISMET members.
An informational flyer is attached. Abstracts are due July 15, 2021. Please visit the meeting website at naismet2021.usc.edu (the website will be updated with more details in the coming weeks). Please contact naismet2021@gmail.com with any questions.
The naismet2021 team
Bioelectrochemical Researcher
We are looking for a person with a master or doctorate in electrochemistry or material science, preferably with experience in bioelectrochemical systems and/or H2 electrolysers and fuels cells.
The researcher will complement the capabilities of the current team, increasing the quality of project execution. He/she will execute projects in BES technologies, carrying out the following tasks:
- Electrochemical characterization of electrodes and membranes,
- Design and assembly bioelectrochemical labscale reactors (MFC, MDC, MEC).
- Upscaling activities
- Operation, monitoring and (bio)electrochemical characterization of BES reactors.
- Data analysis, development of scientific publications, and new project ideas.
- Required qualifications:
- Master and/or PhD in electrochemistry
- Experience in Bioelectrochemistry and electrosynthesis or fuel cells
- Experience on electrodes and/or membrane characterization
- Immediate incorporation
- Location: Terrassa (Spain)
- Institution contact information: LETAT technological Center https://www.leitat.org/en/
- Deadline: 25/06/2021
- HR Contact: Gemma Escursell (seleccion@leitat.org )
More information at https://www.leitat.org/RRHH/LeitatJobs-INVESTIGADOR_BIOELECTROQUIM.html
HyBioSol PhD Studentship, School of Chemistry, NUI Galway
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a PhD studentship within the School of Chemistry/ChemLight group at the National University of Ireland, Galway. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated student with an interest in biotechnology, electrochemistry and photoelectocatalysis to develop a novel hybrid platform for solar energy-driven CO2 reduction to green chemicals. The position is available from 1st September 2021.
The Project:
The aim of the project is to develop and optimize a novel bio-photoelectrochemical technology, consisting of a gas diffusion biocathode and a photoanode divided by an ion exchange membrane, to convert CO2 to green fuels and chemicals using solar light as power source. The candidate will take over three-chamber hybrid cells already in operation in the lab, and will carry out, with the support of the team, a multidisciplinary approach to solve key bottlenecks including:
- Improve CO2 capture and biological conversion to biofuels by using tailored gas diffusion cathodes, which will be modified in order to increase their specific surface;
- Evaluate the use of highly conductive electrolytes to reduce energy losses of the cell, and assess their influence on bioelectrochemical CO2 conversion in terms of production rates, coulombic efficiency and microbial community composition and dynamics;
- Participate in the development of a photoanode capable of delivering enough current density to drive the cathodic bioreaction with minimum external bias;
- Operate the hybrid bioreactor equipped with the modified GDE cathode and the photoanode developed during the project.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Pau Farràs (ORCID 0000-0003-3859- 2868) and Dr Paolo Dessì (ORCID 0000-0002-9935-3038) to develop a PhD project on the topic “Hybrid bio-solar cells for CO2 conversion to green chemicals”.
Duties:
- Modify gas diffusion electrodes with carbon-based materials aiming to increase the surface area available for the attachment of microorganisms; characterize and test the developed electrodes in bioelectrochemical cells;
- Investigate highly conductive electrolytes containing high concentration of Na, K, P and Mg salts to reduce the ohmic resistance of the cell while maintaining the activity of the microorganisms;
- Participate with the research team on the development of photoanodes for water splitting and/or oxidation of organic pollutants;
- Develop and operate hybrid cells equipped with the gas diffusion cathode and photoanode and evaluate its performance and energy savings in comparison to bioelectrochemical cells equipped with traditional anode materials;
- Keep appropriate records as directed and in line with University policy;
- Contribute to the research project’s dissemination in whatever form – report, papers, chapters, book;
- Participate and contribute to weekly meeting with the research group, as well as individual meetings with the supervisory team.
Qualifications/Skills required:
The candidate must have a MSc degree or equivalent in Engineering, Biotechnology or related disciplines. He/she must be highly motivated to perform multidisciplinary research and demonstrate excellent written/oral English and team work skills. Previous experience with bioelectrochemical systems is highly appreciated.
Essential Requirements:
- MSc degree in Engineering, Biotechnology or related disciplines;
- Evidence of experience in bioreactor operation;
- Excellent English speaking and writing abilities;
- Evidence of team working skills;
- Eligible for enrolment in the Structured PhD in Chemistry programme at NUI Galway.
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience in bioelectrochemical systems and/or photocatalysis;
- Experience in bioprocess design;
- Ability to work in a focused and supportive team and the willingness to maintain the friendly and supportive atmosphere of the group.
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post Salary range: PhD stipend €18,500 per annum + Academic Fees Start date: Position is available from September 2021.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
Further information about ChemLight group is available at www.nuigalway.ie/chemlight.
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Doctor Pau FARRÀS e-mail pau.farras@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications to include a motivation letter, CV, BSc and/or MSc diploma and contact details for two referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr Pau Farràs (pau.farras@nuigalway.ie) and Dr Paolo Dessì (paolo.dessi@nuigalway.ie). Please put reference number HyBiosol-PhD- scholarship in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 31st May 2021.
Interviews are planned to be held on week starting on 7th June 2021.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
5th EU-ISMET Conference now online
The Organizing Committee of the 5th EU-ISMET Conference is pleased to announce that we will meet this year as planned for 5th European Meeting of the International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology (ISMET) in a virtual format to guarantee the safety of the participants. The Conference will take place between September 13 and September 15.
We will work together to present an exciting scientific program and provide plenty of opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking. As planned, EU-ISMET2021 will include plenary sessions, oral presentations, poster sessions and the pre-conference workshop.
Registration fees will be reduced and the deadline for early registration and abstract submission have been extended. All the information and additional details are available on our website www.euismet2021.eu and our twitter account: @Euismet2020G
Abstracts
The abstracts received so far are valid for the new format. However, they can be updated or withdrawn before the new deadline for submission. Just let us know.
What can you expect at EU-ISMET2021?
- Plenary presentations including a live Q&A with the keynote speakers
- Consecutive concurrent sessions featuring live Q&A sessions with speakers
- Presentations and posters available on demand before, during, and after the conference
- Planned and spontaneous networking and social sessions
- Exhibits to learn more about products, software, and services
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Technical Secretariat secretary@euismet2021.eu . We will be glad to help you.
See you soon, although this time, virtually.
The Organizing Committee
WISMET seminars
WISMET will serve as a networking and mentoring collective to support female researchers in microbial electrochemistry and electromicrobiology. For more information on the WISMET seminars, or to become part of the list, head over to the WISMET seminar community page!
The first talk will be on the 14th May 2021 at 2 pm (CEST), where Ezgi Ogun will bring a seminar titled “Utilization of bioelectrochemical mechanisms in environmental engineering applications: treatment and remediation examples.”
Postdoc in Sensor Development
We are seeking applicants for a 2-year postdoc in sensor development at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University (Denmark). The applicant will work on a research project funded by the Grundfos Foundation aiming at developing advanced sensing technologies for environmental application.
You are expected to contribute to the development and validation of electrochemical and/or bio-electrochemical sensors for the detection of organic and/or inorganic species of environmental interest. Areas of development include, but are not limited to: amperometric, potentiometric sensors, and biosensors (both whole-cell based and enzymatic), as well as micro-miniaturization of existing technologies for environmental applications. You are also expected to contribute to the use of the developed sensors in various natural and man-made systems such as sediments and wastewater.
Applicants should hold a PhD in Chemistry, Environmental sciences, Biotechnology or alike.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemo- or bio-sensor development. Ideally, the candidate can demonstrate experience in developing stand-alone sensor systems including their analytical evaluation. Experience in data analysis and programming will be an advantage. It is expected that the applicant has experience in publishing scientific results in leading journals within the fields of chemistry or environmental science. Additionally, it is important that the candidate can work well within interdisciplinary teams and has a high level of self-motivation. Previous teaching experience will be appreciated but is not necessary. Fluent communication in English both in written and spoken language is essential and is expected by any suitable candidate.
Institution contact information
Sensor Lab – Centre for Water Technology (WATEC; https://watec.au.dk), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark
Contact email address
Deadline
17-05-2021
External link
https://www.au.dk/om/stillinger/job/postdoc-in-sensor-development/
Postdoc for studies of electron transport in cable bacteria
The Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, invites applications for a 2-year postdoc position for studies of electron transport in cable bacteria. The position is available with start from 1 June 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter (no later than October 2021).
The postdoc will engage in the question of how internal electric wires of cable bacteria conduct electrons and connect with metabolic processes. The exact focus and approaches will be flexible, depending on the background, ideas, and network of the applicant.
Institution contact information
The Center for Electromicrobiology, CEM (http://cem.au.dk), Aarhus University, Denmark
Contact email address
lpn@bio.au.dk
Deadline
15-03-2021