The Centre Algatech is currently looking for PhD students and Postdocs to join the group for the

Ecophysiology of Algae in two recently funded projects on the physiology and ecology of marine N2 fixing cyanobacteria.

Specifically, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our project Metabolic heterogeneity among unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria Recent data from field sampling and laboratory experiments suggest that significant metabolic heterogeneity exists among individual cells of marine unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (Crocosphaera or Cyanothece). Recent studies revealed that one part of cells perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation and nitrogen fixation, while other focus only on nitrogen fixation. Our metabolic modelling suggests that the intercellular heterogeneity provides ecological advantage to cellular consortia.

We are seeking for a motivated Postdoc who will study the regulation mechanism of intercellular

metabolic heterogeneity under laboratory conditions preferably using molecular techniques (such as transcriptomics) with collaboration with combination of the state-of-the-art imaging and analytical techniques (nanoSIMS, MS, confocal microscopy) and immunolabelling and single-cell profiling.

Experience and interest in ecophysiology, molecular biological and/or biochemistry of phytoplankton, are required. A PhD in Biological or Chemical Sciences with a focus on Marine Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, or related fields, is required. Funding is available for a 3-year full-time position, subject to satisfactory progress after initial period. Start date at the earliest convenience.

For questions on this position, please contact Prof. Ondřej Prášil (prasil@alga.cz, project leader). To apply, please send a motivation letter, CV and two reference letters or contact details for references to prasil@alga.cz. Review of applications will start on February 20th. Skype interviews will be conducted end of February / early March.

Algatech Centre of the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, is an internationally recognized centre for basic and applied research on microalgae, cyanobacteria and photosynthetic bacteria in Třeboň, Czech Republic (www.alga.cz). Algatech currently employs > 80 researchers and students in all areas of algal research. The Research in the Laboratory of Photosynthesis is focused on molecular biology, ecophysiology and biophysics of photosynthesis. We provide a friendly working environment, as well as assistance with administrative aspects of moving to the Czech Republic and accommodation for the first months. Třeboň is a small town located in the south of the Czech Republic close to the Austrian border, in a rural setting about 2 h from Prague and 30 min from Ceske Budejovice, surrounded by UNESCO-protected lake-land area and forests offering plenty of hiking opportunities, as

well as by historical towns renowned for their local breweries.