Postdoc in legume molecular genetics

Applications are invited for a 3 year postdoc position in the field of legume molecular genetics at the Department of

Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 3–year position from 01.09.2023 or as soon possible.

Job description

The work will focus on understanding the biosynthesis of vicine and convicine in faba bean (

Vicia faba

) to completely eliminate these antinutrients from faba bean seeds. It will involve integrative data analysis of metabolite, gene expression and diversity data as well as generation of transgenic and gene-edited faba bean plants.

The position offers an opportunity to join a leading research group in legume genetics and genomics with well-established basic and applied research programs. The project builds on and will extend the collaboration that led to the discovery of a key enzyme in the vicine and convicine biosynthetic pathway (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-021-00950-w ) and will make use of state-of-the-art faba bean genetic and genomic resources ( https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05791-5 ).

Your profile

Documented experience with plant molecular biology, including gene cloning and plant transformation, is required. Fluency in written and spoken English and publications in international journals are expected. Experience with bioinformatic data analysis using R and/or Python is an advantage. Experience with  growing and transforming faba bean is an advantage.

Who we are

You will be part of a dynamic environment at the Section for Plant Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, where work is focused on the study of legumes. The research environment is cross-disciplinary with PIs specialized in bioinformatics, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics.

What we offer

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark with top museums and dining available in a relaxed atmosphere (

https://www.visitaarhus.com

). The campus is located within walking distance of the city center, providing easy student access to all the city has to offer.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 

For further information, please contact: Professor Stig U. Andersen, [email protected].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than May 15th 2023.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the

Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.