Postdoc in Anti-Nutrient Biosynthesis in Faba Bean

Faba bean is a promising protein crop but accumulates large amounts of vicine and convince in the seeds. These anti-nutrients can induce haemolytic anemia (favism) in ~4% of the world’s population afflicted by a deficiency in the enzyme G6PDH. Faba bean varieties with reduced content of vicine and convicine are available, but the residual anti-nutrient content is cause for concern in the food industry. Recent work in the Geu-Flores group at the University of Copenhagen has shown that vicine and convicine are synthesized from overflow metabolites in the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway and that the degree of overflow is controlled by the enzyme VC1. The selected postdoc will join the Geu-Flores group to uncover the remaining enzymes in vicine and convicine biosynthesis. In addition, the postdoc will knock out selected enzymes in addition to VC1 to obtain faba bean lines that produce zero-vicine seeds, thus eliminating a major obstacle for the use of locally and sustainably produced plant protein. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the research group of Stig Uggerhøj Andersen at Aarhus University and the Traitomic commercial unit of the Carlsberg Research Laboratory.

We are looking for candidates with a solid background in plant biochemistry who wish to work on biosynthetic pathway elucidation in legume crops. Applicants must have a PhD degree in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or similar. Valuable skills include elucidation of plant metabolic pathways as well as analysis of polar and/or unstable plant metabolites.

The position is a full-time postdoc position for 2 years. The postdoc’s duties will include research within anti-nutrient biosynthesis in faba bean as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The Geu-Flores group specializes in the biosynthesis and transport of alkaloids in plants, including quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins. The group is a part of the Section for Plant Biochemistry , which hosts several research groups working on plant natural product biosynthesis, including cyanogenic glucosides, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids. The Section belongs to the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences , which hosts eight Sections spanning from molecular biology to crop science and environmental chemistry.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, plant growth facilities, and a Metabolomics Platform hosted in the Section.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Fernando Geu-Flores ([email protected] ; +45-60571982).

The position is open from 01 October 2022or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Description of previous research (max. 1 page)
• Concise research plan for the advertised postdoc project (max. 1 page)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13 July 2022, 23:59 GMT+2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process athttps://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews will be held on the week 29+30 July 2022. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.