Research Assistant position: Extraction and purification of RNA from biomarker producing bacteria

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ-Texel) is looking for a highly motivated assistant with expertise in molecular microbiology, particularly in the extraction and purification of RNA. This position is part of a larger project designed to understand the bacteria responsible for nucleoside-bacteriohopanepolyol (Nu-BHP) lipids involved in temperature and pH proxies. The project is part of the Vidi Talent Programme scheme funded by NWO and awarded to Dr Darci Rush. The position is offered for a period of 2 months.

THE INSTITUTE

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national oceanographic institute and principally performs academically excellent multidisciplinary, fundamental, and frontier applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of the ocean and seas. NIOZ includes the National Marine research Facilities (NMF) department that operates a fleet of research vessels and the national pool of large seagoing equipment, and supports excellence in multidisciplinary marine research, education, and policy development.

THE DEPARTMENT

The research of the Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) has a long history of studying all domains of microbial life (bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic), their interactions, and their role in biogeochemical cycling in a variety of marine environments, varying from coastal environments to the deep ocean and sediments. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, bioinformatics resources and analytical equipment, and has an excellent level of technical support.

THE PROJECT

As part of the Vidi project Nu-BHPs, we aim to understand the biosynthesis of important lipid biomarkers, nucleoside-bacteriohopanepolyols. The presence of these lipids in the environment has been shown to correlate with land temperature and pH. As part of our endeavour to understand their mechanisms of biosynthesis, pure cultures of Nu-BHP producers were grown at different temperatures and pHs. These cultivation experiments are complete and the goal of this position is to complete the next step in their analysis, namely extracting and purifying the RNA of these cultures for us to be able to evaluate their transcriptome.  

Using in-house methods, this research assistant will produce clean RNA extracts in order to be sent for RNA sequencing. Tasks of this 2 month project include:

1)      RNA extraction for bacterial cultures.

2)      Removal of DNA

3)      Depletion of rRNA.

THE VACANCY

The molecular biology research assistant position is based in our molecular ecology labs at NIOZ (Texel) and is due to start on as soon as possible. The MMB department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge analytical equipment, and bioinformatics resources and has an excellent level of technical support. You will work within a project team including several scientists working at NIOZ whose expertise range from microbiology to geochemistry, ecology, and cutting-edge analytical instrumentation. The selected candidate will also work with a postdoctoral researcher whose project focuses on understanding Nu-BHP production.

THE CANDIDATE

You have a degree (MLO, HLO or University BSc/MSc) in biology must have completed a degree in biology with a specialization in molecular microbiology. This position is only suitable for someone with some laboratory experience. Furthermore, you meet at least some of the following criteria:

Experience in the extraction of RNA.

• A love for multi-disciplinary work, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• The ability to work under clean lab conditions and consideration of contaminations.

• An interest in marine and/or soil ecosystems.

NIOZ wants to be a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

THE CONDITIONS

•  This full-time position (40 hours per week) at the Royal NIOZ NWO-I is for a period of two months, with the option to work part-time if desired.

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI  (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 8/9 depending on relevant experience

• The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.

• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.

Closing date for this vacancy is the 2nd of October.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Darci Rush. For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl.