PhD fellowship in the constraints of oxygen in enzymatic plant cell wall decomposition

Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in the constraints of oxygen in enzymatic plant cell wall decomposition. The project is part of the research project “OxyMiST”, which is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Start date is expected to be as soon as possible

The project
The main objective of the project is to contribute to the understanding of the oxygen constrains on microbial secretomes. This will require development of both in vitro and in vivo assays and it will require handling of both environmental samples, microorganisms and enzymes. For this study, it will be possible to use an existing toolbox of methodologies but it will also require implementation of instrumentation. The successful applicant will work closely together both with junior and senior scientists who are deeply engaged in the research field.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with a background in the field(s) of biochemistry, biology or biotechnology. Candidates with documented knowledge on analytical chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and enzyme activity assays are preferred. Further, applicants with documented experience in completing a scientific manuscript will be prioritized. However, we are also seeking a motivated and creative PhD student with good interpersonal and communication skills.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
OxyMiST is an international project led professor Katja Johansen embedded at the Section for Forest, Nature and Biomass, at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (https://ign.ku.dk/english/oxymist /).The research group is specialized in enzyme chemistry related to degradation plant cell walls. Our laboratory is in particular well equipped to work with oxygen-dependent enzyme catalysed reactions. The OxyMiST team consists locally of several PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers with high. OxyMiST also has two partner institutions, Cambridge University (UK) and INRAE Marseille (France). The successful applicant will thus join a vibrant international research environment.

The group is a part of the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. 

Principal supervisor is Professor Katja Salomon Johansen, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, [email protected]  

The PhD programme 
The PhD programme is a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree. 

Qualifications needed for the regular 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. biochemistry, biology, or biotechnology. 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. 

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. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. 

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
•    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
•    Curious mind-set with a strong interest in biochemistry, biology, or biotechnology
•    Good 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:  
1.    Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2.    Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project/State which PhD project you are applying for
3.    Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4.    Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5.    Publication list (if possible)
6.    Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline: 
The deadline for applications is 19 March 2023, 23:59 GMT + 1

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 and, if so, for which of the two models. 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 /. 

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 16.

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 /.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

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.