PhD fellow in Plant Phytohormone Transport
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen
A 3-year PhD scholarship in Plant Phytohormone Transport is available at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, DynaMo Center, a Center of Excellence within plant biology financed by the Danish National Research Foundation. The position commences 1 March 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter.
At the DynaMo Center, our goal is to understand at the molecular level how a multicellular organism mounts a response and adjust to its ever-changing internal and external environment. As model system, we use the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. As a part of our research, we study transport processes of phytohormones at the physiological and mechanistic level to learn more about the interconnectivity between external stimuli and the signaling pathways they control.
Project description
The overall aim of the project is to understand the physiological role of gibberellic acid (GA) transport in plants. GA is one of the pivotal phytohormones commonly used in agriculture, and it promotes a wide range of developmental processes, such as seed germination, root and shoot elongation, flowering and fruit patterning. It has recently been shown that GA is transported in plants. However, little is known about the underlying molecular transport mechanisms and the genes involved. In this project, which involves two other groups (Cornell- and Tel Aviv- University) and is funded by the Human Frontier Science Program, we will identify and characterize novel GA transporters from Arabidopsis thaliana.
This project will combine electrophysiology- and highly sensitive LCMS based transport protein characterization in Xenopus oocytes, metabolite profiling, 3D modeling and mutagenesis to gain a mechanistic understanding of how GA is transported across membranes.
The successful candidate will have significant freedom and guidance in a creative and stimulating, international research environment. The project requires strong expertise within molecular biology. Emphasis will be given to candidates with background in plant molecular biology and experience in characterizing transport proteins.
Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Hussam H. Nour-Eldin, e-mail huha@plen.ku.dk, telephone (+45) 35333698.
Job description
The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:
· To manage and carry through your research project
· Attend PhD courses
· Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
· Teach and disseminate your research
· Participate in congresses
· To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
· Work for the department
Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an MSc degree related to the subject area of the project with good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any), relevant work experience and a strong motivation for the application.
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
· A strong background in molecular biology (e.g. design and generation of expression constructs) and protein characterization techniques (e.g. western blot).
· Experience in- or are excited about learning- electrophysiology techniques.
· Knowledge on plant transport protein biology.
· The grade point average achieved in undergraduate studies
· Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
· Previous publications
· Language skills
Outstanding candidates wishing to be trained in holistic thinking and forefront technologies in a creative and dynamic research environment are cordially invited to apply.
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.
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 306,667 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 42,361). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
Place of work
The main place of work will be at the DynaMo Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen at Frederiksberg Campus.
Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include
· Cover Letter detailing your motivation and background for the application.
· CV
· Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
· Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any),
· 1-3 professional references, please include full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email)
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
The deadline for applications is 4 January 2016, 23:59 GMT +1. Applications received after the deadline for applications will not be considered.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.
The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills.
The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
Questions
For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Associate Professor Hussam H. Nour-Eldin, e-mail huha@plen.ku.dk, telephone (+45) 35333698.
General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at www.science.ku.dk/phd
Interviews will be held in the period from 18-27 January 2016.
