Postdoc in Crop Biotechnology and Natural Transformation of Roseroot

The University of Copenhagen and the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) seek to hire a Postdoc in Crop Biotechnology and Natural Transformation of Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) (fixed-term, 2 years and 9 months) at the Section for Crop Sciences (CROP) to commence 1 March 2025.

Description of the scientific environment

Research and teaching at PLEN cover topics within biotechnology, agriculture and environment. The department is divided into nine sections dealing with a wide range of subjects. Focus is on plants, soil, microorganisms and animals– from molecules through organisms to populations and anthropogenic ecosystems. It is our vision to maintain and develop our position as one of the principal centers for plant science and the related areas based on excellent basic and applied research. The department hosts state-of-the art infrastructure, unique field research facilities and many opportunities for collaboration within the department. The postdoc will be affiliated to the CROP section located at the Taastrup Campus.

The CROP section studies and teaches applied and basic sciences related to crop quality and crop production. The core of our interest is the interaction between G(enotype), M(anagement) and E(nvironment) as the basis of superior crop growth and production of sustainable food, ornamental and high value plants and products. The section has ca. 75 employees who work in an internationally and highly collaborative research environment. You can read more about us here: https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/crop_sciences/.

Project description

The applicant will contribute to research in modern agriculture and horticulture focused on high value crops based on molecular biology. A particular focus is quality improvement of the medicinal arctic plant roseroot (Rhodiola rosea). Additionally, it is expected that the applicant will further extend ongoing field crop and ornamental plant quality improvement research via molecular tools including genetic engineering in particular natural transformation (using non-GMO transformation methods). In addition, novel research on high value crops containing beneficial compounds, i.e. medicinal plants, food additives, should be pursued. Methods and strategies used to implement the topics above involve microorganisms as vectors, plant tissue culture and plant transformation, utilizing both non-GMO and GMO approaches, i.e. Rhizobium rhizogenes and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Moreover, an additional applied part of the project involves the establishment of R. rosea in the south of Greenland as a cash crop for local farmers. Besides establishment of the technology and strategy for developing high value crops and maintaining superior plant quality, the candidate is expected to develop her/his own independent line of research within CROP’s research vision and objectives. The candidate is expected to apply for external funding, contribute to teaching activities, take higher level course obligations and perform research in close collaboration with other research groups within CROP and PLEN.

The postdoc’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• the intention to obtain formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors (if not obtained)

The preferred candidate is expected to have a PhD in Botany/Plant Physiology/Plant Biotechnology and to document a high degree of original publications in high ranking/peer-reviewed journals, including considerable contributions to molecular breeding towards plant quality, particularly non-GMO methods, high value crops/medicinal, horticulture/agriculture biotechnology and postharvest/ethylene biology research. Moreover, vast experience in genetic engineering and plant transformation using non-GMO and GMO techniques and in plant tissue culture laboratory. A preferable experience working with roseroot/arctic plants in respect to growth and transformation is desired. Documented experience in international research environments and documented teaching experience (post-graduate levels) will also be preferred.

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment, conducting research at the highest international level. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English are mandatory and experience with mentoring bachelor/master students is desirable.

The position is open from March 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Application Procedure

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Highlight up to 5 particularly relevant papers
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training

The deadline for applications is 30 January 2025 GMT+1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment