Postdoc in plant developmental biology

Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a full time postdoc position for 2 years in plant developmental biology commencing 1 December 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment
The laboratory of Stephan Wenkel at Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark investigates the function of microProteins in model and crop plants (https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/plant-developntme/ ) and is located at the Copenhagen Plant Science Centre. The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and CPSC constitutes a stimulating and international research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Project description
We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on a two-year project (extension possible) aimed at manipulating plant development using microProtein engineering. MicroProteins are small single-domain proteins that have been shown to control diverse biological pathways (see e.g. Hong et al., PNAS, 2020). In the project we will employ a combination of genome-engineering approaches and protein engineering in tomato to modulate microProtein expression and activity.

Profile
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with the following competencies:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field.
• You are highly experienced in (plant) molecular biology
• You have an excellent scientific track-record, including publication(s) in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals.
• You have proficient communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• You have excellent English language skills.

Additional desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with plant transformation and/or genome-engineering, especially tomato
• Experience in bioinformatics
• An active interest in plant developmental biology.
• A desire and willingness to work collaboratively and independently.

Principal supervisor isAssociate Professor Stephan Wenkel, Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, [email protected]

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 Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 440.935 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 75.399). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not been tax liable to Denmark the last 10 years.

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

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

Please include

• Cover Letter, stating your motivation and background for applying for the position (max. 2 pages).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. 3 pages)
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc, MSc, PhD)
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications
• 1-3 reference letters (if any)

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2021, 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. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above-mentioned skills. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. The appointment will be based on merit alone.

Questions
For specific information about the position, please contact the principal supervisor Associate Professor Stephan Wenkel, Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, [email protected]

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.