PhD fellowship in molecular microbiology
Start date is 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
BoostR is an innovative and multidisciplinary research program to identify and characterize small molecules regulating specialized metabolism in biotechnologically relevant bacteria. Specialized metabolites are an important and often untapped source of bioactive compounds with vast applications in industrial and environmental biotechnology. However, under laboratory conditions specialized metabolites are often produced in low quantities or not at all. The overall aim of the project is to gain a molecular level understanding of the regulators and genetic networks controlling specialized metabolism in bacteria to boost the production of high-value bioactive compounds for biotechnology. The PhD candidate will be trained in both lab techniques and personal skills including fundamental microbiology and molecular genetics techniques, bioinformatics, scientific writing and communication, self-and project management. Moreover, the candidate will learn advanced molecular biology techniques and omics data analysis and develop an international interdisciplinary network through international lab exchange.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a passionate and ambitious candidate driven by their passion for science and with a desire to learn and contribute to our collaborative lab community. More specifically, we are looking for candidates experienced within the fields of microbiology, molecular genetics combined with a strong interest in bacterial specialized metabolism, signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks and how environmental factors or interactions with other microbes modulate specialized metabolite production. Applicants can have a background in Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or similar areas. We are actively working towards building a more inclusive and diverse academia and encourage all interested candidates to apply.
Experience in the following areas will be an advantage:
- Molecular biology, for example: cloning, recombineering, targeted genetic engineering in bacteria, genome-editing in bacteria
- Bioinformatics/transcriptomics data analysis
- Biochemistry
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in bacterial gene regulation mechanisms
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant work experience
- Relevant publications/preprints are an advantage
- Other relevant professional activities
- Good English language written and oral communication skills
The project is led by Assistant Professor Rosanna C. Hennessy, who is a part of the Microbial Interactions group. The PhD candidate will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Mette H. Nicolaisen, who heads the group. The group focuses on understanding the intimate microbial interactions in their natural environments and exploiting these interactions for biotechnological solutions. The Microbial interactions group currently includes 4 PhD students,1 Research assistants, 1 Assistant Professor, as well as several MSc students and guests representing different nationalities. The group is a part of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Frederiksberg/Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions, guidance, and mentoring in a dynamic and international research environment with a strong network of national and international collaborators. Our research facilities include state-of-the-art GMO1 and GMO2 laboratories.
The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
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, e.g. Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology . For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
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.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks 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
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
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), including your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
- 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 possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
The deadline for applications is 3 May 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.
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 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in end of June 2024.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor Assistant Professor Rosanna C. Hennessy, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, hennessy@plen.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +4535337780.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://science.ku.dk/phd.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
