Optical Microscopy Specialist at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), section for Glycobiology

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) at Faculty of Science, the University of Copenhagen, is looking for a highly motivated and technically skilled staff scientist for the development of a multimodal label-free optical microscope starting from 1 July 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position will be associated with the Plant Cellulose/Cell Biology research group (Professor Staffan Persson) at the Glycobiology Section under the supervision of Assistant Professor Guillermo Moreno Pescador.

About us

The Persson lab aims at understanding how plants produce their cell walls, with a particular focus on the prominent cell wall polymer cellulose. A major goal of the group is to understand how the cellulose synthase complexes are regulated, what the components involved in making cellulose are, how the cytoskeleton impact on cellulose synthesis and the means that the cell wall uses to communicate with the interior of the cell. In the context of the announced position, we aim to build and use custom-built microscopy to study mechanobiology-related aspects of cell wall biology.

The successful candidate will work in a highly cross-disciplinary team that includes expertise in the areas of computational biology, microscopy, molecular biology and biochemistry (approximately 20 people).

Tasks

Your task will include:

• Design and build a state-of-the-art optical microscope for microrheological and morphological measurements of plant and animal samples
• Design and conduct experiments with the custom-built system.
• Support of group members, contributing to creating a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Software control for data acquisition and analysis.
• Coordinate with academic and industrial research partners.

We expect

• You have a PhD in optics, experimental physics and related fields.
• You have substantial previous work experience in development of optical setups and custom-built microscopes.
• You have creative thinking for troubleshooting.
• You are interested in working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Hands-on experiences in development or working with holographic/ interferometric scattering microscopy, Brillouin microscopy and spectroscopy methods are a plus.
• Know-how of imaging and handling of plant samples is advantageous.
• Good English skills, written and spoken.

We offer:

• The possibility to engage in high-impact, multidisciplinary research.
• A stimulating, diverse and international research environment and international collaborations.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
• A supportive scientific and social network, including mentoring and career development.

Terms of salary and employment

The employment and salary is made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as academic employee. The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average. The working hours are flexible. The position is limited in time until 31 December 2027 with the possibility of extension in case of request and availability of finances.

UCPH is in the process of designing a new shared administrative organisation at UCPH, which is expected to lead to changes within the next 12 - 18 months. The purpose of the administrative reform is, among other things, to strengthen cross-organisational cooperation, increase efficiency, and ensure good career paths for administrative staff members at UCPH. The reform will lead to cutbacks on administration. You are encouraged to contact Staffan Persson ([email protected]) or Guillermo Moreno Pescador ([email protected]) to learn more about the connection between this position and the administrative reform.

Your application

If you find the job description interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 22 March 2025.

The application must include the following:

• Letter of application/motivation (max 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of relevant certificates/diplomas.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.

Further questions

Any questions about the position may be directed to Assistant Professor Guillermo Moreno Pescador ([email protected]).

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master's students in 12 departments. The Faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at www.science.ku.dk