PhD fellowship in Plant Molecular Biology

PhD fellowship in Plant Molecular Biology

PhD Project in mRNA modifications and m6A-binding proteins

Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The Section for Computational and RNA Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in the field of gene regulation via covalent modification of mRNA in plants. The project is part of a larger research effort comprising post-doctoral researchers and PhD students, and is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The starting date is expected to be November 1st 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, and the project duration is 3 years.

The project
The main scientific aim is to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which RNA binding proteins with specificity for N6-methyladenosine in mRNA, so-called YTH-domain proteins, regulate gene expression in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. An important focus of the project is to identify RNA-binding proteins that bind to the same mRNA targets as YTH-domain proteins and influence the regulatory outcome. The project will employ a mix of genetic and transcriptomic methods to reach its goals.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with an MSc degree the field of molecular biology. Prior experience with Arabidopsis is an advantage, but is not mandatory. Applicants who can document some computational skills relevant for analysis of high-throughput sequencing data in additional to wet-lab molecular biology will be preferred.  

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
Our group is internationally leading in the field of post-transcriptional gene regulation in plants, and have been among the first to identify functions of YTH-domain proteins in plants. We have a competitive edge in this exciting and fast-moving field.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, and have an attractive location in central Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant and liveable capitals.

Principal supervisor isProfessor Peter Brodersen,Department of Biology, [email protected] , Direct Phone: 35322031.

***************************************************************************

The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the 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. biology with specialization in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
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 27,788.69 per month incl. PhD supplement (1 April 2021 level).

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS/ ½ FTE
• Carry out dissemination and teaching activities
• 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:

• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Language skills

***************************************************************************

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 August 1 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 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 or not 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.