PIF2024 - Phototaxis-Photosynthesis connection in a model microalga (PID2023-146578NB-I00)

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join the Physico-Chemical interactions in the Ocean group (INFIBIO) at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA UIB-CSIC) in Mallorca, Spain. The position (4 years) is co-supervised by myself and Idan Tuval. The project focusses on light-directed motility and light-induced metabolism in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. It aims to explore how cell movement in response to light stimulation is regulated by -and in turns regulates- the activity of the cell’s chloroplast. The project will include visits to and collaborations with the laboratory of Antoine Allard (LOMA, U. Bordeaux) and Dimitris Petroutsos (Uppsala University). The ideal candidate will have a solid quantitative background (physics, mathematics, engineering or similar) and a willingness to step out of their comfort zone. It will involve a combination of experiments and modelling. Previous experimental expertise will be helpful but not necessary. Previous programming expertise and solid mathematical foundation are essential. You will join a vibrant multidisciplinary international group with a number of active international collaborations and hosted within a research institute recently awarded the Maria de Maeztu excellence award.