Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (Section for Organismal Biology) invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in ecology of plant sexual regeneration. The PhD position is embedded with the research group Plant Diversity and Ecology and fully funded for 36 months.
The position is available from June 1st 2023, or a mutually agreed date.
The project
Production of viable seeds that can germinate into seedlings capable of succesful establishment is of key importance for plant biology and ecology. Previous research on gametophyte, seed and seedling traits has revealed their extremely high sensitivity to environmental variability at different spatial and temporal scales. These traits, cumulatively representing the regeneration niche, have been successfully used to better understand population dynamics, species in situ persistence and biogeographic ranges, and community assembly process. Over the last two decades, ecology of plant sexual reproduction has received increasing attention, due to the potential negative consequences of global change on plant sexual regeneration in both wild and cultivated plants.
The successful candidate will study various aspects of the plant regeneration niche by collecting, analyzing and publishing experimental data on longevity and germination requirements for both pollen and seeds in a specific group of species. Further, s/he will conduct a synthesis of published data on plant regeneration traits, to describe existing plant regenerative strategies in various environmental settings.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are interesting in exploring fundamental questions related to plant form and function using a wide array of research methods and objects, ideally with experience in Plant Ecology, Plant Biology or Vegetation Ecology. Previous experience with pollen and seed traits (e.g. experiments, trait measurements) is of advantage. We further prefer candidates with good understanding of vascular plant biology and ecology.
The successful candidates must have excellent English skills, both written and oral. Good (and proved) knowledge of statistics and the R software is an absolute requirement.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
We offer collegial, creative and stimulating working conditions in a large, multidisciplinary department, with excellent scientific infrastructure and wide international collaboration. The PhD position will be embedded in a newly established, young and dynamic working group.
We are located in Copenhagen, one of the most desirable cities of Europe.
Principal supervisor is Assistant Professor Sergey Rosbakh, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, email: rosbakh@plen.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 60 59 75 50
The PhD 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. Plant Ecology or Plant Biology. 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.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme
- Carry out 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 aimed at high-impact journals
- 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 publications (if any)
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in pursuing a career in plant sciences
- 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: - Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science 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.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Two reference letters
Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 31 January 2023, 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
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
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 10 or 11
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:
https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. Det Natur- og Biovidenskabelige Fakultet på Københavns Universitet – SCIENCE i kort form – er landets største naturvidenskabelige forsknings- og uddannelsesinstitution med 4.000 ansatte og 9.700 bachelor- og kandidatstuderende fordelt på 12 institutter. Fakultetet har et årligt budget på ca. 3 mia. kr.
Læs mere om Det Natur- og Biovidenskabelige Fakultet på
http://www.science.ku.dk/