Postdoc of Plant nutrition and analytical chemistry

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences invites applicants for a 2-year postdoc position in plant nutrition and analytical chemistry. The position is part of the research project “AnaGrain”, which is financed by the Green Development and Demonstration Programme (GUDP).

The position is open from 1 February 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The AnaGrain project
The main goal of the AnaGrain project is to investigate the potential of nutrient analyses of cereal grains for developing novel and sustainable fertilization strategies for future crop production. This will be achieved by fast and cost-effective nutrient analyses of grains post-harvest using the high-throughput technology: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS will initially be calibrated against traditional methods for multi-element analysis (ICP-OES). Potential links between plant nutritional status during critical time-points in the growth season and its impact on the nutrient content of grains and harvest yields will be investigated by greenhouse and field based growth experiments. On this basis, it is expected that LIBS analysis of cereal grains can be used as a predictive measure of fertilization requirements for the succeeding growth season. The AnaGrain project consortium involves partners from University of Copenhagen, the Danish industry and the agricultural sector.

The project is conducted in the research group Plant Nutrients and Food Quality where we investigate the impacts of management practice and fertilization strategy on the nutritional value of crops from various plant production systems. Our goal is to provide new knowledge and recommendations regarding sustainable and resource efficient plant production that simultaneously delivers safe, authentic and nutritious food.  

Who are we looking for?
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Plant science/Agronomy/Biology or related fields with very good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience, particular in the area of Agronomy, Plant nutrition and Analytical chemistry.

Key tasks as a postdoc at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project
• Write scientific articles and grant applications
• Teach and disseminate your research
• Work for the department

The postdoc’s experimental activities will mainly include research within plant nutrition and analytical chemistry (mainly ICP-OES). 

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 Kristian Holst Laursen, email: [email protected] , direct phone: +45 35333728, Mobile: +45 61676615

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 Danish 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

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 1 November 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.