Postdoc in engineering of plant biosynthetic pathways into microbes : Copenhagen, Denmark

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

A two year postdoctoral research position at DynaMo Center, a Center of Excellence within plant biology, is available from 1 November 2015 or soon thereafter.

The vacant postdoc position is for a project within synthetic biology entitled: "Optimized microbial production of the health-promoting glucoraphanin” financed by the Novo Nordic Foundation and led by Head of Center, Professor Barbara Ann Halkier.

Project description
The project addresses the fundamental challenge in synthetic biology related to engineering of compartmentalized pathways using the glucoraphanin pathway as case study. Glucoraphanin is the specialized metabolite associated with broccoli’s health-promoting effects. In planta, the glucoraphanin pathway is compartmentalized between the chloroplast and the cytosol. We have previously shown the feasibility of engineering the entire glucoraphanin pathway transiently in tobacco plants. The aim of the project is to develop a novel strategy of un-compartmentalization of a compartmentalized pathway and to establish an optimized microbial host for glucoraphanin production. The postdoc will investigate, in parallel, the ability of the cytosolic microenvironments of a prokaryote (E. coli) and a eukaryote (S. cerevisiae) to support functional expression of the entire glucoraphanin pathway. Transcriptomics and metabolomics data will be integrated and further exploited for genome-scale modelling of both microbial hosts. The project aims at providing optimized microbial production of glucoraphanin.
The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties

At the DynaMo Center, our goal is to understand at the molecular level how a multicellular organism mounts a response and adjust to its ever-changing internal and external environment. As model system, we use the glucosinolate defense compounds in Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition to basic research, the Center carries out a series of projects with applications related to our basic research.

DynaMo Center at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is well equipped for the research undertaken in the center. This includes modern laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities within advanced bioimaging, nano-biotechnology, metabolite profiling, protein biochemistry, molecular genetics as well as plant growth facilities and climate chambers. English is the working language at the Center.

The successful candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of two years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in production of scientific publications.

Application requirements
Appointment as a postdoctoral fellow pre-supposes scientific qualifications at the PhD-level and maximum four years of post PhD experience at the start date of the contract.

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates:
•PhD in biotechnology, biology or biochemistry or a related field with a strong background in molecular and synthetic biology
•A strong motivation for the application
•Relevant publications
•Experience with engineering of pathways in E. coli and S. cerevisiae, including gene discovery, analysis of expression of functional proteins, metabolite profiling, and possibly also genome scale modelling
•Talent for integration of basic science and innovation
•Good communications skills in English, both oral and written
•Thrives working in an ambitious international research center and conducting inter-disciplinary research.

In addition to the fulfilment of the above-mentioned qualifications, the main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant, the match with the project, and good interpersonal skills.

Place of employment and work
DynaMo Center, Department of Plants and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment according 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 405,501 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK69,341). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.