Postdoc of “Field scale root phenotyping methods for grass breeding”

Department of Plant and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a Postdoc position of “Field scale root phenotyping methods for grass breeding” commencing 01.04.2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 2 ½ years.

Description of the scientific environment
The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences conducts fundamental research and has a strong focus on applying basic science to solve real world challenges, primarily within the plant, soil and environmental sciences. Research and teaching cover natural resources, agriculture, biotechnology and synthetic biology from the molecular level to the ecosystem scale.

The research group Crop Physiology and Production Systems aims to do research focusing on plant growth and quality at the crop, crop rotation, and cropping system level. We work with the development of plants for food, feed, and biomass production. Optimization of crop production and quality include improvement of plant potential through breeding, based on studies of genetic diversity including new crop species. More information about the research group is available at: https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/crop_sciences/crop_physiol_prod/

Project description
Recent root phenotyping work with grasses performed in the RadiMax root phenotyping facility have shown very promising results with significant differences in deep root development of grass cultivars. However, root phenotyping in a facility like RadiMax is costly and the capacity is limited. Therefore, the objective of this project is to study methods for root phenotyping to be applied directly in field experiments, based on the experiences and results from RadiMax studies. Further, the study will focus on methods which can be applied aboveground, avoiding costly soil samples or direct root measurement, aiming to increase capacity and reduce cost of grass root phenotyping for breeding. 

A range of methods will be tested for their applicability as proxies for deep root development and function. The main methods to be studied will rely on stable isotopes, using both natural enrichment and active labelling approaches, but also other methods will be tested.

Principal supervisor is Professor Kristian Thorup-Kristensen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, [email protected], Direct Phone: 35332216.

Job description
The position is available for a 2 ½ -year period and your key tasks are:

• Run field experiments with grass genotypes at KU
• Perform sampling and measurements with different phenotyping approaches in field experiments at KU and at commercial breeders
• Data analysis and statistics
• Communication of results as scientific publication and for plant breeders and others

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 DKK 420,040.76 on basic level including annual supplement (+ pension  DKK 71,826.96). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 30 January 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.