The Section for Plant Biochemistry, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 3 year position as Post doc within single molecule interaction with special emphasis on the Dhurring metabolisme. Employment will start from 1 December 2015, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Dhurrin metabolism
Plants produce a plethora of specialized metabolites (bio-active natural products) to deter herbivores and pests and to adapt to the abiotic stresses resulting from a changing environment. Cyanogenic glucosides are one class specialized metabolites. Upon hydrolysis they release toxic hydrogen cyanide which deter generalist herbivores. Cyanogenic glucosides also serve as storage compounds of reduced nitrogen and are subject to rapid endogenous turn-over. Sorghum produces the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. The enzymes involved in dhurrin synthesis are organized within a metabolon (enzyme complex). The mechanisms controlling assembly and function of the dhurrin metabolon will be investigated using reconstitution of the metabolon in nano discs and liposomes including studies at the single molecule level. The conformational changes of the P450-oxidoreductase as part of its interaction with the P450s and the role of the UDPG-dependent glucosyltransferase in metabolon formation are going to be key research topics.

The working areas of the Post Doc will include research within the above research topics and further advancement of our understanding of the role of metabolons in the synthesis of specialized metabolites in plants. Documented theoretical and experimental qualifications within P450s, glucosyltransferases, nano disc and liposome technology will be given high priority in selection process. Qualifications in the following areas are required:

• A PhD degree in biology or within an equivalent relevant discipline
• Detailed theoretical and experimental experience within the biochemical and molecular approaches relevant to studies of cyanogenic glucosides
• Knowledge of analytical tools such as LC-MS and GC-MS

Additional qualification criteria include:
•Research plan outlining expected achievements following appointment in the advertised position

The Post Doc is required to be enterprising by nature and to possess good interpersonal skills.

Applicants are required to be involved in teaching and supervision of both bachelor, master and PhD students. Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications and interpersonal skills. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

The project will be carried out in a highly competitive, stimulating and international research environment with English being the working language. The research environment is financially supported by funding from an ERC Advanced Grant and funding from the UCPH Excellence Program for Interdisciplinary Research. Information on the Section for Plant Biochemistry and on the research groups can be found at http://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Birger Lindberg Møller, blm@plen.ku.dk, phone: +45 35333352.

The position is open from 1 December 2015 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 405,501 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 69,341). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include
-Curriculum vitae
-Diplomas
-Research plan – description of current and future research plans
-Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
-Complete publication list
-Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

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/.
The deadline for applications is 1 October 2015.

Interviews will be held in second half of October 2015.
APPLY NOW