Ph.D. Opportunity in green transition: Advancing Potato Resistance to Late Blight through Innovative Breeding Techniques

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Agroecology programme. The position is available from 15 March 2025 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title
Ph.D. Opportunity in green transition: Advancing Potato Resistance to Late Blight through Innovative Breeding Techniques

Research area and project description
The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University is inviting applications for a Ph.D. student position focused on innovative research in the development and application of cis-genesis techniques to Danish potato varieties. This project aims to significantly enhance resistance to late blight, a major threat to potato crops. The successful candidate will leverage new breeding technologies, including genome editing and advanced molecular techniques, to create potato varieties that are both sustainable and resilient.

As part of a collaborative research team, the Ph.D. student will explore the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to late blight, employing cutting-edge methodologies to develop and evaluate improved potato varieties. This project represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the field of green transition by addressing critical agricultural challenges through modern breeding practices.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on new breeding technologies of potato varieties to improve resistance to late blight through cis-genesis.
• Utilize both plant pathology and plant biotechnology techniques to analyze the efficacy of developed varieties.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners.
• Design and implement experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
• Present findings at conferences and publish research in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in outreach activities to disseminate research outcomes to stakeholders and contribute to teaching in the department.

Project description (½-4 pages): This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.

Qualifications and specific competences

• Master’s degree in plant Pathology, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or in a related field.
• Strong background in either plant pathology or plant biotechnology; experience in both is advantageous.
• Familiarity with genetic engineering techniques and knowledge of late blight in potatoes.
• Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to independently design and carry out experiments
• Experience or an interest to work with plants in greenhouse and field conditions

What we offer

• A dynamic and supportive research environment at a leading university.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

Application process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation for applying.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Contact information for at least two references.
• Transcripts of academic qualifications.

Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark.

Contacts
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:

• Kim Henrik Hebelstrup, [email protected] (main supervisor)
• Isaac Kwesi Abuley, [email protected] (co-supervisor)

How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 5 January 2025 at 23:59 CET.

Preferred starting date is 15 March 2025.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.

Please note:

• Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.