PhD thesis offer on Metagenomics of Danakil polyextreme environments
The candidate will conduct metagenomic, metabarcoding, and single-cell genomic analyses on microbial samples from polyextreme lakes in Ethiopia. The goal is to determine microbial community structures, metabolic functions, and molecular adaptations to extreme physicochemical gradients.
- On-site
- Brampton, ON
- Posted Aug 5, 2026
- Apply by Sep 4, 2026
- 1 position
Job summary
PhD thesis Offer Metagenomics of Danakil polyextreme environments: molecular adaptations and functional potential of novel phylogenetic lineages Key words: metagenomics, Metabarcoding, metagenome-assembled genomes, single-cell genomics, extreme environments, symbiosis Supervisor: Purificacion LOPEZ-GARCIA Lab: Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, team « Diversité, Ecologie et Evolution Microbiennes« , Université Paris-Saclay GS Life Science and Health The Metagenomic Exploration Of Microbial Ecosystems Opens An Unprecedented Window On Their Evolutionary Diversity And Ecological Functioning. Yet Poorly Explored, Polyextreme Environments Offer The Possibility To Understand The Specific Adaptations To Conditions Bordering The Physicochemical Limits Of Life. We Have Collected Unique Plankton And Microbial Mat Samples From a Series Of Polyextreme Lakes In The Vicinity Of The Erta Ale Volcanic Chain In The Danakil Salt Depression (Ethiopia) Following a Salinity Gradient Under Geothermal Influence. We Propose a PhD Subject Combining Metabarcoding, Metagenomic And Single-cell Genomic Analyses With Contextual Hydrochemical And Mineralogical Data In Order To Answer To The Following Questions i) What is the microbial community structure and which are the abiotic and biotic determinants influencing it? ii) Which are the metabolic functions associated to these communities and the molecular adaptations along the physicochemical gradients of these extreme environments? iii) How do specific microorganisms adapt? Do we find novel divergent microbial lineages adapted to these conditions? Are prokaryote-prokaryote symbioses favored in certain conditions? https://www.adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?matricule_prop=34272&site=adumR#version Candidates should have skills in bioinformatics, metagenomics, molecular phylogeny and biostatistics. Contact: Purificacion LOPEZ-GARCIA References Belilla J, Moreira D, Jardillier J, Reboul G, Benzerara K, Lopez-Garcia JM, Bertolino P, Lopez-Archilla AI, López-García P (2019) Hyperdiverse archaea near life limits at the polyextreme geothermal Dallol area. Nature Ecol Evol, 3:1552–1561 López-García JM, Moreira D, Benzerara K, Grunewald O, López-García P (2020) Origin and evolution of the halo-volcanic complex of Dallol: Proto-volcanism in Northern Afar (Ethiopia). Frontiers Earth Sci, 7:351
What you’ll do
The candidate will conduct metagenomic, metabarcoding, and single-cell genomic analyses on microbial samples from polyextreme lakes in Ethiopia. The goal is to determine microbial community structures, metabolic functions, and molecular adaptations to extreme physicochemical gradients.
Requirements
Candidates must possess technical skills in bioinformatics, metagenomics, molecular phylogeny, and biostatistics. A background suitable for pursuing a PhD in life sciences is required.
Other relevant skills
Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.
- Bioinformatics
- Metagenomics
- Molecular Phylogeny
- Biostatistics
Job areas
- Science & Research
- Education
- Environmental & Sustainability
Additional details
- Minimum education
- Master’s degree
- Minimum experience
- 0+ years
- Apply by
- Sep 4, 2026
- Posting language
- English
- Working hours
- 40 hours per week
- Seniority
- Internship