Postdoc position in sustainable protein production in rapeseed

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

We are seeking a talented a postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing sustainable plant-based protein production. The successful candidate will work on elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing seed quality traits, with a focus on protein content and composition in rapeseed (Brassica napus) under low nitrogen input conditions.

The postdoc fellowship is available for 2 years with a start date of 1st Jan 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.  

Project background
Sustainable agriculture and the climate crisis urge a dramatic increase in the production of plant-based protein for human consumption. Rapeseed, the third-largest oil crop worldwide, offers an excellent amino acid profile in its protein-rich press cake, making it an attractive alternative protein source. However, current elite lines exhibit an inverse correlation between oil and protein content. Breeding efforts have prioritized oil yield, and the potential for optimization of protein quality and content in rapeseed is largely unexplored. This project aims to identify novel breeding targets for optimizing protein traits in rapeseed while maintaining oil content under low nitrogen input conditions, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture practices for a promising future protein food crop.

Key Responsibilities:

- Screen rapeseed cultivars for distinct protein compositions and quantities under low nitrogen input conditions

- Identify key genes associated with protein quantity and composition using population genetics and molecular genetic approaches

- Characterize gene functions and their physiological roles in planta using molecular genetic tools such as CRISPR

- Collaborate with team members to establish rapeseed as a future protein food crop in sustainable agriculture systems

- Disseminate findings through internal talks, conferences, and publications

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of initiative and responsibility. The ideal candidate should excel in both independent work and thrive within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. The successful applicant will possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• PhD degree in Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in plant molecular biology and genetics.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also being an effective collaborator within a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for scientific research combined with a strong appreciation for work-life balance.

Practical experience with the following techniques is favored but not a necessity:

• Research experience in plant genetics, metabolism, seed biology, or rapeseed biology
• Familiarity with GWAS, protein quantification and analysis, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, and data science
• Experience with greenhouse and/or field studies
• Knowledge of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and multivariate data analysis

Our research group and what can we offer?

You will be part of the DynaMo Center (www.dynamo.ku.dk) that has approx. 25 members. We offer an inspiring, creative and international research environment, with emphasis on the training of next generation of young scientists.

The DynaMo Center is part of Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located at Frederiksberg Campus in Copenhagen. www.dynamo.ku.dk

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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Motivation letter that clearly articulates your reasons for applying, how your research experience or ideas can advance the project with highlights of specific examples of past contributions or individual cases.
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 2-3 particularly relevant papers

Contact person is Dr. Deyang Xu, email [email protected] , phone (+45) 35333555 or Prof. Barbara Ann Halkier email [email protected] , phone  (+45) +4535333342

Further information on the Department is linked at https://plen.ku.dk/english/ .

The deadline for applications is 23th October 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiration 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

We plan to have interviews in the middle of November 2024.