The posting
PhD Project in studying the molecular basis of flower color and patterns
The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in AI-driven knowledge extraction for plant metabolism. The project is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network Stripes&Stars (Grant Agreement No. 101312557), funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. Stripes&Stars trains ten doctoral candidates across eight European countries in modern breeding of ornamental and fruit crops, using flower and fruit colour – anthocyanins and other flavonoids in petunia, calibrachoa, poinsettia and bilberry – as its scientific showcase. The network brings together seven beneficiaries (TU Wien, Klemm + Sohn, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Utrecht University, University of Copenhagen, Lantana Bio, UiT The Arctic University of Norway) and associated partners at Galab, the University of Helsinki, the University of Amsterdam and Chulalongkorn University.
The project
Anthocyanins represents one of the most widespread plant pigments giving rise to the diverse colors to fruits, vegetables and flowers. Flower pigmentation is a critical trait guiding the attraction of pollinators. Some flowers develop remarkable patterns through spatial accumulation of anthcocyanins in distinct and repetitive patterns. Yet, we still don’t know the molecular mechanisms governing flower patterns
You will:
-Develop a protoplast pipeline for isolation of cells derived from distinct flower petal patterns
-Map the proteomes of different cell types
-Employ biotin-dependent proximity labeling to map the protein networks of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway.
-Elucidate regulatory proteins facilitating anthocyanin pathway assembly and disassembly.
Planned Secondments: Klemm (1 month) to sample plant material from the flower diversity panel. TU Wien (Prof. Heidi Halbwirth, 2 months) for protoplast optimization for cell type protomics profiling and expression of fusion constructs. Lantana Bio (3 months) to translate findings to optimize a bioproduction process of tailored anthocyanins in yeast. You will also take part in the network’s training programme of schools, workshops and transferable-skills courses.
Who are we looking for
We are looking for candidates within the fields of Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology, who wish to join a dynamic research group working on plant biochemistry and biosynthesis of specialized metabolites. Applicants can have a background in elucidation/characterization of metabolic pathways, plant molecular biology/biochemistry, metabolic engineering or plant transformation.
Important scientific values
We will specifically select candidates displaying an open mindset, ability to collaborate within research teams and contribute to a healthy work environment. The candidate is encouraged to communicate their research openly with a curiosity towards different viewpoints and disciplines.
MSCA guidelines
This position is subject to the eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks:
- Mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
- You must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- You may be of any nationality.
Our group and research- and what do we offer
The successful applicant will join Tomas Laursen and the Dynamic Metabolons Research Group, which specializes in the organization of biosynthetic pathways for production of bioactive compounds. We combine microscopy, metabolomics and proteomics with fundamental biochemistry to study biosynthesis of plant specialized metabolites from the single enzyme- to the whole plant level.
The Dynamic Metabolons research Group is a part of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, which hosts four Sections spanning from molecular biology to crop science and environmental chemistr. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, plant growth facilities, and a metabolomics platform hosted within the Section.
The principal supervisor is Associate Professor Tomas Laursen, [email protected].
The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Getting into a position on the PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the programme To be eligible for the 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. chemistry, biochemistry or molecular 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 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
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in the research field
- Excellent English language skills
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, including any preferences for working on biosynthesis or transport
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for BSc and MSc degrees and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish. If the latest degree has not been completed, please include a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records and a written statement from the institution or supervisor.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 31 January 2027, 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 during the week of 01 April 2025.
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.
