Postdoc position within epigenetic regulation of plant resistance
Postdoc position within epigenetic regulation of plant resistance
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen
A 2-year postdoctoral fellowship is available at DynaMo Center (www.dynamo.ku.dk), a Center of Excellence within plant biology financed by the Danish National Research Foundation. The position commences 1 March 2016 or upon agreement.
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 glucosinolate defense compounds in Arabidopsis thaliana. As a part of our research, we study transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulatory mechanisms to learn more about the interconnectivity of these different layers of control.
Project description
The aim of this postdoc project is to identify novel genes involved in epigenetic inheritance of plant resistance. It is a well-known phenomenon that epigenetic modifications triggered by environmental factors can contribute to the phenotypic variation within a generation and also allow information to be transferred to the next generation. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms and the genes involved in shaping specific phenotypes. This project will combine epiQTL mapping, transcriptomic analysis, metabolite profiling, and insect bioassays to link specific DNA methylation patterns to changes in defense chemistry and their role in plant-insect interactions.
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 epigenetics and experience in analysis of large datasets and/or bioassays. Principal investigator is Associate Professor Meike Burow.
Job description
The postdoc’s duties will include research within epigenetic regulation of plant resistance as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/departments/
Inquiries about the position and the project can be made to Associate Professor Meike Burow, email mbu@plen.ku.dk, telephone (+45) 35333773.
The position is open from 1 March 2016 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.
Your key tasks as a postdoc at DynaMo are to:
•Manage and carry through your research project.
•Publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
•Participate in conferences.
•Assist with grant applications.
•Teach, supervise BSc and MSc students, and disseminate your research.
Qualification requirements
•A PhD degree in biology or within an equivalent relevant discipline.
•A strong motivation for the application.
•Excellent written and spoken English.
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
Special importance will be attached to applicants having the following professional and personal qualifications:
•Documented laboratory work within molecular plant biology or genetics.
•Expertise and/or strong interest in insect bioassays.
•Experience with high-throughput approaches and data analysis, e.g. Next Generation Sequencing, RNA, sequencing, metabolomics.
•Well-developed collaborative skills.
•Relevant research publications.
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 up to DKK 405,501 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 69,341). 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, Denmark, at Frederiksberg Campus. International travel in relation to conferences, meetings and experimental work will be part of the position.
Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking “Apply online” below. The application must include the following documents:
•Cover Letter detailing your motivation and background for the application.
•CV.
•Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent).
•Complete publication list.
•Research plan – description of current and future research plans
•A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works to be included in the assessment.
•Full contact details (Name, affiliation, address, telephone & email) of 2 professional references.
The deadline for applications is 28 December 2015, 23:59 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
Interviews will be held in the period from 11-15 January 2016.
