University of Copenhagen
Postdoc within Plant Pathway Discovery at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability
We are inviting applications for a position as postdoc within the project "Discovery of biosynthetic routes to pharmaceutically interesting diterpenoids in plants". The postdoc will be part of the founding team of the Section for Plant Pathway Discovery of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (CFB).
The section is focused on the elucidation and characterisation of plant biosynthetic pathways with special interest in the identification of diterpenoid synthases and cytochromes P450. The work will be tightly integrated with the research groups in the CFB working with intelligent design of cell factories, the overall aim being to obtain biosustainable production of the diterpenoids. The position is available from 1 January 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter and for two years with the possibility for extension.
DUTIES
The candidate will be responsible for elucidation of the pathways for synthesis of diterpenoids in medicinal plants with a focus on pharmaceutically active compounds. The position will include teaching and supervision of students to a limited extent.
QUALIFICATIONS - SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants must have a PhD degree or similar qualifications in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or microbiology. Qualifications within one or more of the following scientific areas are required:
Bioinformatics of next-generation sequence data.
Heterologous expression in microbes.
Analytical chemistry (LC-MS, GC-MS).
Membrane proteins.
Terpenoid biochemistry.
The candidate is also required to have good communication skills, to be enterprising and to possess good interpersonal skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
· PhD degree or equivalent in relevant field.
· High quality publication record within PhD research field.
· Strong work ethics, independent research record, and motivation to succeed within this highly competitive research field.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
· Training from internationally leading research laboratories.
· Experience with de novo assembly of 454/illumina data and data mining.
· Experience with enzymes of the cytochromes P450 or terpene synthase families.
· Background in organic or analytical chemistry.
· Experience with bioreactor technology.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The post will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The post is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Applications will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008. Read more about the recruitment process at LIFE here.
The University of Copenhagen welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background.
Questions
For further information about the post, please contact Professor Birger Lindberg Møller +45 3533 3707 or Björn Hamberger +45 3533 3328 (bjoernh@life.ku.dk ).
Potential applicants from outside Denmark will find information about life in Denmark (taxation, healthcare etc) at http://ism.ku.dk/
APPLICATION
Apply by clicking "Apply online" below.
Applications - in English - must include:
Cover letter
CV with documentation of education
A complete list of publications
A maximum of 10 relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment
Statement outlining the applicant´s most important research contributions (2-4 pp)
Documentation for additional research qualifications
Contact information of referees
Teaching portfolio
Participation in development of educations and seminars
Development of educational material
Experience with examination and/or censorship
Please submit your application no later than 31 December 2011
Only electronic applications are accepteed.
Deadline: 31-12-2011
