Postdoc i plantebiokemi: Glutathion transferaser i sorghum-tørkerespons

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section for Plant Biochemistry offers a 2½ year postdoc position to investigate the roles of glutathione transferases (GSTs) in the drought response of the tropical cereal crop sorghum, starting from 1 March 2026.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within plant biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and redox biology as well as teaching and project student supervision. The position may also include performance of other duties.

Description of the scientific research environment

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is a large department (500 employees) dedicated to plant, microbial, and environmental sciences (http://plen.ku.dk/english/ ). Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. The successful applicant will join the Plant Metabolic Plasticity research group, headed by Associate Professor Nanna Bjarnholt and embedded in the Section for Plant Biochemistry. The project is carried out in collaboration with Professor Christine Foyer at University of Birmingham, UK.

The Section for Plant Biochemistry is among World leading laboratories within plant biochemistry and biotechnology. The section hosts nine research groups that mainly work with the biochemistry, physiology, ecology and biotechnology of plant specialized metabolism. We host a metabolomics platform with several state-of-the-art instruments for GC- and LC-MS analyses, and more recently a facility for Mass Spectrometry Imaging of plant tissues, headed by the PI of this advertised postdoc position. The Section is characterized by a highly interactive, supportive and international research environment, interdisciplinary science, and a strong national and international network (http://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/).

Description of project and candidate

Drought is the number one reason for loss in Global agricultural food production. The tropical cereal crop sorghum is known for its high drought tolerance, but the underlying molecular mechanisms providing this important trait remain unknown. The project will characterize the molecular drought response of knockout lines of specific GSTs in sorghum as well as the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, focusing on redox homeostasis, enzyme activities and changes to the metabolome and proteome. The successful candidate will drive the in-depth characterization of GST enzymes as well as gene knockout- and over-expressing lines, using heterologous expression and purification and assays of enzymes, transgenic expression of sorghum genes in Arabidopsis, targeted and untargeted metabolomics and proteomics analyses, as well as redox analyses carried out in collaboration with Professor Christine Foyer in Birmingham.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in plant biochemistry or similar fields and extensive experience in transgenic expression of plant genes in plants and other heterologous hosts, GSTs and their in vitro enzyme characterization, and relevant experiences with abiotic stress in plant systems and XC-MS analyses. Additional experience and qualifications within other ‘omics technologies, plant molecular biology, detoxification enzymes, cereals, general plant work and redox biology are also an advantage. Furthermore, we are looking for a person with the following skills and mindset:

• Enthusiasm for collaboration and good interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with supervision and mentoring of students
• Curiosity towards biological questions and an open mindset for knowledge sharing
• Ability to work independently, manage and carry through your research project
• Strong scientific writing and publication record
• Ability to critically review research results generated as part of the project
• Positive attitude for engaging in Departmental and Section activities including lab duties, teaching and dissemination of your research

Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Nanna Bjarnholt, martinezjessicadavid95nnb@holmes-williamsonmccarthyplen.kubailey.dk.

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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include with your application

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• The outline of a possible research plan for the project
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 11 January 2026, 23:59 GMT+

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 February-March.