PhD fellow in Plant Biology and Bioimaging

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in Plant Biology and Bioimaging commencing 01.09.2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment
The PhD student will be part of Section for Transport Biology and the Plant Signaling research group headed by Anja Thoe Fuglsang (Fuglsang group ). The research group focus on Signal perception at the cell surface by receptors and transduction of these signals to the cell interior by ion-transporters. This is essential for plants in order to react and adapt to changes in the surroundings. The research group utilizes both biochemical, bioimaging and molecular tools in the research. Section for transport Biology also host part of CAB Center for advanced Bioimaging an infrastructure providing accesses to highly advanced microscopes.

Project description
External application of secreted peptides is emerging as a biologicals approach, previously proven to be a successful method to trigger plant defence.

The purpose of this project is to develop an in planta bioimaging system for detection of peptides in real time and evaluation of the required modifications of the produced peptides. We will develop a peptide-receptor sensing system for live imaging of the specific perception mechanisms for the peptides PSY and PSK, which requires knowledge about their target site and signaling, with the long term applied goal to expand the use of growth promoting peptides to a variety of crop plants to test for growth promoting effects.

Why does the plant invest in advanced post translational modifications for secreted peptides? Do they affect stability, biological activity and/or specificity? Will the peptides become active upon de-glycosylation, or less stable? Which version of the peptide should be produced to obtain the most active and stable peptide effect on the field? These are the questions we would like to address. Having established the sensing system, it can be adapted to other growth peptides providing a toolbox for a detailed investigation of all relevant peptides.

Principal supervisor isProfessor,Anja Thoe Fuglsang, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, [email protected], Direct Phone: +45 35 33 25 86

As part of the project, the Phd student will also stay in the laboratory of Professor Rüdiger Simon for a shorter period.

Job description

The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project 
• Attend PhD courses
• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
• Work for the department

Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Plant-Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or similar with good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualification’s emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience.

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

The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 331,125 (approx. €43,750) including annual supplement (+ pension at a minimum DKK 53,811). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Cover Letter, detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
• 1-3 reference letters (if any)

Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT  obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.

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 Wednesday 6 July 2022, 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. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science.

ou can read more about the recruitment process athttps://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions
For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Professor,Anja Thoe Fuglsang, Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, E-mail [email protected], Direct Phone: +45 35 33 25 86.

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd .

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.