Postdoc in computational and comparative analysis of the phyllosphere microbiome

Department of Plant Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Plant and Environmental Science (PLEN) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) invite applications for a joint four-year postdoc position within the field of computational and comparative genomics with start November 1st 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be equally shared among The Section for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, Environmental Microbial Genomics Group, PLEN, lead by Professor Lars Hestbjerg Hansen and The Rasmussen Group, CPR, lead by Associate Professor Simon Rasmussen.

The position is advertised in connection to a newly established multidisciplinary program, The MATRIX: “Microbiome Assisted Triticum Resilience In X-dimensions”, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, to address the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of the wheat phyllosphere microbiome. Today, more than one third of crop yields are lost due to abiotic and biotic stress factors, such as drought, salinity, pests and disease. In the MATRIX program several key microorganisms and regulatory mechanisms involved in wheat growth promotion and protection against biotic and abiotic stresses will be identified. By combining new microbiome-assisted approaches with machine learning and predictive modelling the MATRIX aims to quantitate and predict microbiome-mediated changes and their effect on wheat resilience and productivity under various climate change scenarios, which can be used as a novel tool to improve future wheat yield management strategies.

The candidate will be expected to conduct independent research within the area of computational and comparative analyses of large quantities of metagenomic datasets obtained from the wheat flag leaf microbiome. The candidate is expected to some degree to engage in teaching and supervision and the post may also include performance of other duties.   

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or similar qualifications within computational biology, microbiology, metagenomic analysis, comparative genomics, network analysis, or other relevant research fields. Experience in programming in bash/Unix, R or python is strongly desirable. Also, experience within the field of plant-associated microbiomes is preferred.  

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment conduction research and teaching at the highest international level. The position, therefore, requires a highly motivated scientist who is comfortable working in teams, have good interpersonal skills, as well as a collaborative and open mind-set.

Further information on the Faculties is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ and https://healthsciences.ku.dk/about/organisation/. More information on the MATRIX project is linked at https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/microbial-ecology-and-biotechnology/environmental-microbial-genomics/microbiome-assisted-triticum-resilience-in-x-dimensions-the-matrix/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Lars Hestbjerg Hansen; e-mail: lhha@plen.ku.dk, or Associate Prof. Simon Rasmussen; e-mail: simon.rasmussen@cpr.ku.dk.

The position is open from November 1st 2020 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.

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 437.843 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.871). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW on the following link: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/?show=151929.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is August 1st 2020, 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/.

Interviews will be held in October 2020.