PhD fellowship in CO2 capture in photosynthetic microorganisms, Department of Biology

Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in studies of CO2 capture in photosynthetic microorganisms. Start date is expected to be 1-November-2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project:

The PhD student will be part of the CO2capture project, which is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and which is a collaboration between microbiologists and computational biologists at University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The CO2capture project aims at developing photosynthetic microorganisms for the purpose of CO2 sequestration and utilization. Exhaust gases from industry contain high amounts of CO2 and we want to use a biological approach to capture this CO2 before it is released to nature and convert it to useful bioproducts. The PhD student will investigate what happens when a model cyanobacterium is exposed to high CO2 relevant to exhaust gases and how we can genetically engineer an increased CO2 uptake under these conditions. We use a combination of classical and molecular microbiology, including techniques for genetic modification and next-generation sequencing. The PhD student will also isolate RNA for transcriptome sequencing. The majority of the computational biology involved will be performed by close collaborators in the CO2capture project. This project gives the student first-hand research experience with biological and “green” solutions to the CO2 challenges confronting our global society.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the fields of microbiology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. It is expected that the applicant has good laboratory skills in microbiology (preferably with cyanobacteria and/or microalgae) and molecular work with DNA and RNA. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience.

Our research group and what we offer:

The research project takes place at the Section for Marine Biology (MBS) in Helsingør (Elsinore). Research at the MBS covers a broad range of aspects in marine biology including microbiology and functional biology relevant to ecological processes in nature, climate change, and aquaculture. The MBS has state-of-the-art facilities for cultivation, genetic modification, and physiological, biochemical, molecular, and radioisotopic work with photosynthetic microbes. The Frigaard research group where the PhD student will work explores photosynthetic microorganisms, their physiology and genetics, and how these organisms can be used for practical purposes. The PhD student will become a member of a research team with other microbiologists and computational biologists at UCPH (University of Copenhagen). We expect that the project will also involve a research stay for the PhD student with collaborators outside of Denmark.

Principal supervisor:

Assoc. Prof. Niels-Ulrik Frigaard, Section for Marine Biology, Department of Biology, e-mail: [email protected] , direct phone: +45 35 32 19 57.

The PhD programme:

You will enter a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme . To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment:

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Salary range starts at DKK 27,588.59 per month incl. PhD supplement (1 April 2021 level).

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Good skills in the English language

Application and Assessment Procedure:

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 1-September-2021 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

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

The further process:

After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions:

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: 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.