PhD fellowships in RNA interference in plants

PhD fellowships in RNA interference in plants

Department of Biology
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

The research group led by Peter Brodersen at the Department of Biology invites applicants for two PhD fellowships on different aspects of RNA interference in plants.

The starting date is August 15 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
We use genetic, biochemical and transcriptomic approaches to understand both mechanistic aspects of post-transcriptional genetic control and its biological functions. The PhD projects advertised here focus on two distinct aspects of the use of RNA interference systems to detect and defend against foreign genetic code. One project investigates the role of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in classical RNA interference; the other project investigates how variant RNA interference pathways can be employed to activate innate immunity pathways through cytoplasmic immune receptors.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists with a master degree in molecular biology, including molecular genetics and biochemistry.

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a Master degree in molecular biology or similar
• You have experience with plant molecular biology
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
Our group is part of the Section for Computational and RNA Biology at the Department of Biology and is situated in Copenhagen Biocenter in central Copenhagen. We have office and laboratory space as well as plant growth facilities in the Biocenter. In addition, for parts of our work, we use greenhouse facilities at another campus of the university. The group is international and currently has 7 core members.

The principal supervisor isProfessor Peter Brodersen,Department of Biology, E-mail: [xxxxx]

The PhD programme
The Phd fellowships offered here must be run within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). Hence, an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree (5 years of study) is a prerequisite

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. in molecular biology or similar. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. A max 1-page letter describing your background and motivation for applying for these PhD projects/
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if applicable)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is May 22, 23:59 GMT +2

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the requirements mentioned above.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at [xxxxx]

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 25-26.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

[General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: [xxxxx]

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Kilde: [xxxxx]