PhD fellowship in Microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions in the wheat rhizosphere

Job title:

PhD fellowship in Microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions in the wheat rhizosphere

Company:

Ku Science Plen

Job description

Section of Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology invites applicants for a 3-year PhD fellowship anchored in the Microbial Interactions group.Start date is (expected to be) June 15th, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.The project
The PhD project will be performed under the Novo Nordisk funded project “Identification of genetic factors underlying recruitment of root beneficial microbes for sustainable nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition in wheat production systems”. The project aims to provide a knowledge foundation to allow microbiome based breeding of resilient crops for sustainable agriculture. Modern wheat varieties, bred for high-input agriculture, often lack the genetic diversity necessary for efficient microbe-mediated nutrient acquisition. For the specific PhD project, the focus will be on identifying wheat genotypes able to capitalize on microbial functions supporting their phosphorus nutrition. For specific genotypes, the underlying mechanisms for microbial assembly and P nutritional enhancement will be investigated, with the goal of enhancing crop production in low-input farming systems.Main tasks of the appointed applicant

• Performing plant-based assays to study microbial interactions in natural soil systems using a defined Synthetic Community as well as natural microbial communities.
• Study the expression of P cycling genes and the importance for microbial assembly and plant P nutrition
• Elucidating the main drivers, genetic and/or environmental, for beneficial interactions between plants and microbes under low P input scenarios

Qualifications needed
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious researcher with experience in molecular microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions. Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or equivalent.
• Fluent in English, oral and written
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with:

• Cultivation and functional screening of microbes
• DNA sequencing and analysis – both full genome analyses and microbiome analyses
• Molecular engineering of bacteria
• Plant-setup and sampling for microbial analyses
• Experience with plant physiology will be an advantage, but is not required

Being part of a large research project, the candidate will engage in teamwork both within the group and with national and international collaborators.Our group and research
The main focus of our research in the Microbial Interactions group is understanding the drivers for microbial assembly and function by studying microbial ecology and molecular signalling in both industrial and food production systems to develop resilient system performance under low input scenarios.We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories with state-of-the-art sequencing and bioimaging platforms as well plant growth facilities.Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Mette Haubjerg Nicolaisen, E-mail: , Direct Phone: +4535332649.Terms of employment in the regular programme
The candidate will be enrolled in a three year full-time study within the framework of (5+3 scheme).To be eligible for the PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see and .Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities, including participation at international microbiology conferences
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.Please include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
• Publication list (if any published papers)

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at .Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held online in week 18 or 19, 2025.Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: .The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Expected salary

Location

Frederiksberg, København

Job date

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:44:42 GMT

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