Cultivation of methane-oxidising bacteria and associated heterotrophs from Greenlandic lakes

We are looking for a motivated BSc/MSc student who is interested in working with environmental isolates from Greenland at the department of Microbial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Background

Arctic lakes release methane (CH₄), a powerful greenhouse gas, through the activity of microbes. As the Arctic warms, melting permafrost, changing vegetation, and glacial meltwater are altering the inputs these lakes receive, ultimately affecting methane production and consumption. Two important drivers are dissolved organic matter, which feeds microbes, and dust from glaciers, which can supply rare nutrients that some methane-cycling microbes need. By studying how these changes affect microbial communities and their processes, we can better understand how Arctic lakes are affected by- and contribute to climate change.

Objectives

For the CLIMET project, we have collected water samples from 50 lakes in West Greenland. You will cultivate and identify bacteria from these samples, focusing on methanotrophs and associated heterotrophs. 

By getting these microorganisms in culture, you will open up possibilities for further experiments that will lead to new insights on the effects of glacier dust, DOM, and microbial interactions on the consumption of methane in Greenlandic lakes. 

Training opportunities

• Gaining experience with cultivation and identification of unique microbes from environmental samples
• Experimentation with methane-oxidising bacteria
• Being part of an interdisciplinary research community, learning more about the effect of climate change on Arctic ecosystems

Your background and project setup

The project is quite flexible, and can take shape as a BSc/MSc project/internship. The duration and start date are negotiable but preferably ASAP. Candidates are welcome to bring their own ideas to the table for this project. A background in microbiology is ideal, and previous lab experience is valuable. Supervision by Dr. Paul Bodelier (contact person), daily supervision by Dr. Ate Jaarsma and Erik Lindemann. Work takes place at the department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands. 

Contact

If interested, please send a CV + motivation to Dr. Paul Bodelier (Senior Researcher).