PhD position in functional genomics at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen

PhD position in functional genomics at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen

A three-year PhD position is available from August 1, 2012 at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. You will be working in an international research team located in modern, well-equipped laboratories in a park area close to the center of Copenhagen. 
Insects are agriculturally important, because they are pollinators for many food plants, but also, because they can be serious agricultural pests, destroying about 30% of our annual harvest. Furthermore, insects can be vectors for serious diseases, such as malaria. Neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a central role in the physiology of insects and steer important processes, such as reproduction, development and feeding. 
The PhD project concerns the bioinformatic annotations of neuropeptide and GPCR genes in the many insect and other arthropod genomes that are currently becoming available and the use of comparative genomics. We are active consortium members of about 20 international Insect/Arthropod Genome Sequencing Consortia and there are even plans to sequence 5000 arthropod genomes within the next few years (the i5k project), meaning that genomics research will strongly increase in our laboratory. 
Although this PhD research topic is mainly using bioinformatic tools, it might also include expression studies, where GPCRs will be cloned, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and characterized using a cell-based bioluminescence bioassay. These bioassay techniques are well established in our laboratory. 
For this PhD position, the successful candidate should have a strong background in bioinformatics/comparative genomics, or possibly molecular endocrinology. 
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the evaluation committee. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen. 
Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 309.179 (about EUR 41.500) per year (April 2012 level) plus pension contribution DKK 42.243 and the possibility to negotiate wage. 
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 
Applicants are requested to submit their applications electronically including an application letter and the requested documents in the online form, see below. In addition a single PDF file including an application letter, CV and your university marks must also be sent directly to Professor Cornelis Grimmelikhuijzen, Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, cgrimmelikhuijzen@bio.ku.dk  
Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science August 1, 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter. 
Deadline for applications is July 20, 2012. 
Apply online here: Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 20-07-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Science