Postdoc i Plantebioteknologi: Rapsplanter og Tørkeresistens

Post Doc., Naturvidenskab Og Teknik / plantebioteknologi / molekylærbiologi / landbrugsforskning / tørkeresistens

The University of Copenhagen and the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) seek to hire a Postdoc in Crop Biotechnology, Root Induced Oilseed Rape and Drought Resilience (fixed-term, 2 years and 2 months) at the Section for Crop Sciences (CROP) to commence 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

Research and teaching at PLEN cover topics within biotechnology, agriculture and environment. The department is divided into nine sections dealing with a wide range of subjects. Focus is on plants, soil, microorganisms and animals– from molecules through organisms to populations and anthropogenic ecosystems. It is our vision to maintain and develop our position as one of the principal centers for plant science and the related areas based on excellent basic and applied research. The department hosts state-of-the art infrastructure, unique field research facilities and many opportunities for collaboration within the department. The postdoc will be affiliated to the CROP section located at the Taastrup Campus.

The CROP section studies and teaches applied and basic sciences related to crop quality and crop production. The core of our interest is the interaction between G(enotype), M(anagement) and E(nvironment) as the basis of superior crop growth and production of sustainable food, ornamental and high value plants and products. The section has ca. 75 employees who work in an internationally and highly collaborative research environment. You can read more about us here: https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/crop_sciences/.

Project description

The applicant will contribute to research in modern agriculture and horticulture focused on crop performance, plant stress physiology and molecular biology in relation to drought. A particular focus is deep root performance of root induced (Ri) oilseed rape. These lines have been obtained following transformation with the soil bacterium Rhizobium rhizogenes, which has led to a superior root system. These features will be tested in response to drought at our Radimax facility (https://cropinnovation.dk/some-of-the-projects/radimax/). Additionally, it is expected that the applicant will further extend ongoing field crop and ornamental plant quality improvement research via molecular tools including genetic engineering in particular natural transformation (using non-GMO transformation methods, e.g. R. rhizogenes). In addition, novel research on high value crops containing beneficial compounds, i.e. medicinal plants, food additives, should be pursued. Methods and strategies used to implement the topics above involve deep root studies and field physiological responses to drought, microorganisms as vectors, plant tissue culture and plant transformation, utilizing both non-GMO and GMO approaches, i.e. R. rhizogenes and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Besides establishment of the Ri technology and strategy for developing high value crops and maintaining superior plant quality, the candidate is expected to develop her/his own independent line of research within CROP’s research vision and objectives. The candidate is expected to apply for external funding, contribute to teaching activities, take higher level course obligations and perform research in close collaboration with other research groups within CROP and PLEN.

The postdoc’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• the intention to obtain formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors (if not obtained)

The preferred candidate is expected to have a PhD in Plant Biotechnology/ Microbiology in relation to agriculture and to document relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals, including considerable contributions to breeding towards improved crop performance and plant quality. Moreover, vast experience in bacterial work, genetic engineering of plants/crops (transformation/GMO), molecular biology (gene expression and RNAseq) tissue culture and physiological characterization of plants is favored. Additionally, the preferred candidate should have skills within carbon partitioning (sugar and starch analysis) hereunder enzymatic assays, protein work (metabolites) and western blotting. Finally, skills in statistics and machine learning are favored. Documented experience in international research environments and documented teaching experience (post-graduate levels) will also be preferred.

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment, conducting research at the highest international level. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English are mandatory and experience with mentoring bachelor/master students is desirable.

The position is open from February 1st, 2026, 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.

Application Procedure

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Highlight up to 5 particularly relevant papers
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training

The deadline for applications is 14 November 2025 GMT+1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held during December 2025.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.