Postdoc in Terrestrial Ecology

A 2-year postdoc position in Terrestrial Ecology with a focus on moss-cyanobacteria associations is available at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, commencing 01.05.2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The successful applicant will be based at the Terrestrial Ecology Section, thereby joining a lively research environment covering a wide range of topics such as plant ecophysiology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, soil biology and ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. Our section is a diverse group comprising research and teaching staff members, laboratory technicians, PhD candidates and MSc and BSc students, focussing on many aspects of plant and microbial ecology, biogeochemistry and global change. The successful candidate will be hosted by Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Kathrin Rousk and will join the Ecosystem Ecology group focussing on moss-cyanobacteria associations in different ecosystems, from the Arctic to the Tropics. Prof. Anders Priemé, Section of Microbiology, will co-host the successful applicant.

Overall description of the project

The postdoctoral position is part of a 5-year Starting Grant from the ERC led by Kathrin Rousk.

For the postdoctoral project, the main goal is to place moss-cyanobacteria associations along the parasitism-mutualism continuum. This will be achieved by traditional methods such as culturing, microscopy etc. as well as advanced methods such as comparative transcriptomics. The postdoctoral researcher will help other researchers in the project (e.g. with culturing, NanoSIMS analyses), will co-supervise BSc and MSc students.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Planning experiments, growing and culturing of mosses and cyanobacteria, RNA isolation from mosses and cyanobacteria, N2 fixation measurements, bioinformatics, data analyses, data interpretation, and manuscript writing.  

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a PhD degree in Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Environmental Genomics, or similar fields. Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement, as well as excellent writing skills demonstrated by the publication record, as well as good communication skills. Candidates with skills and expertise listed below will be preferred. 

Skills/expertise

Planning experimental setups, culturing of moss and cyanobacteria, DNA and RNA isolation, preparation of RNA for cDNA sequencing, analysis of transcriptomic data, data analysis using R and Python, multivariate statistics, project coordination, growth measurements of plants and bacteria

For further information about the position, please contact Kathrin Rousk ([email protected] ).   

Further information on the Department can be found here: https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation .  

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 Finance 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 describing motivation and project related research experience 
• Curriculum vita 
• Complete publication list 
• Separate reprints of 2 relevant papers 
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)

The deadline for applications is 8 February 2022, 23:59 GMT +1.

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 at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ . 

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.