Postdoctoral fellowship in transcriptomics based elucidation of physiological roles of plant glutathione transferases

A 2½ year post doc position is available from October 1st 2018, or soon thereafter, within the Section for Plant Biochemistry at Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Job description 
The fellowship will be part of a 5-year research project with the title ’Glutathione transferases in plant specialized metabolism’ (GSTspecial), awarded by the VILLUM Foundation to Associate Professor Nanna Bjarnholt. The glutathione transferases (GSTs) form a mysterious group of enzymes in plants, with many members in each species, several plant specific classes and very few assigned physiological functions. An increasing body of evidence suggests that a significant number of plant GSTs play roles in specialized metabolism. The project GSTspecial aims to elucidate such functions of using a ‘guilt-by-association’ approach where the tissue and cell specific localization of suspected GST substrates and products will be mapped using Mass Spectrometry Imaging. These results will be used to guide tissue and single cell type resolved transcriptomics experiments to identify gene candidates for characterization in vitro and in planta. The post doc will be involved in all parts of the project, with main responsibility for the transcriptomics experiments and associated method development, and for molecular cloning and expression of candidate genes. The project may involve short term research stays with collaborators in e.g. the UK or Australia. The position will also involve minor teaching assignments within relevant fields and supervision of students at all levels, including one PhD-student to be employed on the GSTspecial project.

Qualifications 
We are seeking a motivated, open minded and creative post doc who is eager to participate in establishing a new research project and to actively influence the direction of the planned research. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry, or similar relevant fields. The successful candidate will have solid experience within RNAseq of plant tissues, molecular cloning and heterologous expression, and a drive for solving the challenges associated with single cell type transcriptomics and RNAextractions from highly heterogeneous tissues. Furthermore, the ideal candidate has experience with or a keen interest in some of the following: specialized metabolites, LC-MS/GC-MS, MS Imaging, pathway elucidation, in vitro enzyme characterization.

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

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Nanna Bjarnholt,nnb@plen.ku.dk.

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 419.772 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK71.781). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include:

• Cover letter including your motivation and background for applying for the position
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Full contact details (name, address, telephone & email address) of two professional referees
• Documentaion of English language qualification if non-EU/non-Scandinavian and non-native English speaker

The deadline for application is 15 July 2018 at 23:59 GMT+2.

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/.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.