Postdoc – Aquatic Microbial Ecology

The positions will be based in Dr. Yang’s laboratory at the School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, which focuses on understanding aquatic microbiome diversity and function in relation to nitrogen and nutrient cycling, water health, and nitrogen removal strategies in both natural and engineered systems.

Position 1: Microbial Nitrogen Cycling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This position will focus on exploring microbial nitrogen cycling processes and their associated greenhouse gas emissions across diverse freshwater ecosystems. The research will leverage global metagenomic datasets (which have been collected and analyzed), including data generated by our lab, to analyze microbial community dynamics and their functional roles in nitrogen transformation. The successful candidate will investigate key microbial players and pathways involved in nitrogen cycling, with an emphasis on understanding their ecological and environmental impacts.

Position 2: Microbial Interactions and Nitrogen Removal Strategies
The second position will focus on unraveling microbial interaction mechanisms within nitrogen cycling and their ecological functions in natural ecosystems. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to the development of innovative nitrogen removal strategies for engineered systems. Our lab has isolated a wide range of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms, including novel nitrifiers such as ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and complete ammonia oxidizers (Comammox). This research will integrate experimental and computational approaches to advance our understanding of microbial interactions and their applications in sustainable water management.

Qualifications
• A Ph.D. in microbiology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, environmental science, or a related field.
• Strong background in microbial ecology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics.
• Experience with metagenomic data analysis, microbial isolation, or biochemical assays is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, R) and bioinformatics tools is a plus for Position 1.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What We Offer
• Access to global metagenomic datasets and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to high-impact research.
• A dynamic and supportive research environment at one of China’s leading universities.
• A competitive salary ranging from 250,000 to 300,000 CNY/year. Candidates who hold a PhD degree from a top 100 global university or a leading institution in their field will be eligible for an enhanced salary of 500,000 CNY/year.
• Affordable housing options are available, with the opportunity to rent a high-quality apartment at a very low cost, typically ranging from 20-25 CNY per square meter per month.
• Upon completing your Postdoc, if you choose to continue working in Shenzhen, you will be eligible for an allowance of 300,000 CNY as part of the city’s talent retention initiatives.

To apply
Join us in advancing our understanding of microbial roles in freshwater ecosystems and developing innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Applications should send a CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references to Dr. Yang (yangych55@mail.sysu.edu.cn). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
For more information: https://eco.sysu.edu.cn/teacher/Yang%20Yuchun

Location
School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China