Professor within Plant Membrane Biotechnology
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN); Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen invites applications for a professor position within the area of Plant Membrane Biotechnology. The position is open from 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research and teaching at PLEN cover topics within Agriculture, Plant Science, Biotechnology, Biosolutions and Environment. The department is divided into nine sections dealing with a wide range of subjects. Focus is on plants, animals, soil, and microorganisms from molecules through organisms to populations and anthropogenic ecosystems. It is our vision to maintain and develop our position as one of the leading centres for plant science and the related areas based on excellent basic and applied research. The department hosts state-of-the art infrastructure and unique field research facilities, and many opportunities for collaborations are available within the department. The professor will be affiliated to the section of Transport Biology located at the Frederiksberg campus and is expected to collaborate within and contribute to the good working environment of the section.

The Transport Biology section is an active and dynamic working environment carrying out world-leading research in different areas of transport biology with a focus in plants. A research focus of the section is the study of membrane transporters and their involvement in signaling and membrane trafficking. The section has strong collaborations with international institutions and several groups in the Department. The research projects cover both basic scientific questions as well as such that are directed towards driving sustainable solutions. The section contributes to teaching both at the BSc and MSc levels in the Biotechnology program at the Frederiksberg Campus and expects to expand its commitments with regular teaching in the new MSc in Biosolutions in Kalundborg.

Cellular membranes serve to separate cells from their environment but are also flexible to allow for controlled transport of solutes in and out of the cell, and for fission and fusion of intracellular vesicles to import and export cargo. Cells use changes in membrane fluidity and/or composition triggered by external aggressions (pathogens, temperature changes, drought, etc.) to modify transport processes and start signalling cascades that allow the cells to respond and adapt to their environment. Understanding the mechanisms underlying membrane-based adaption to environmental threats may allow for the design of biotechnological strategies that support plant-based food production in the face of frequent adverse weather conditions and new pathogen threats. PLEN wishes to strengthen the Department’s position in this area.

Description of qualifications needed
The appointed professor has a broad knowledge of several aspects of plant membrane biology, including lipid signaling and lipid-based modulation of membrane properties of importance for plant stress adaptation. It is expected that the professor has a recognized international position in the field and contributes to the design and implementation of new methodology.

The appointed professor is expected to contribute to teaching in existing courses both at the MSc and BSc levels in subjects related to plant cell biology, membrane trafficking and dynamics, lipid signaling, and heterologous protein expression. The appointed professor should also take responsibility for the development of existing and, if needed, new courses to ensure high-quality teaching in a constantly changing educational landscape. Supervision of students at a high level in experimental BSc and MSc projects is expected on a regular basis. A high level of teaching qualifications, including formal pedagogic training, is a requirement for the position. International candidates are expected to be able to contribute to teaching in Danish within 3-4 years.

The professor in plant membrane biotechnology should fulfill the following criteria:

• PhD in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Proven leadership in an academic research environment and ability to guide and independent research group to achieve specific goals.
• A publication record that includes corresponding-author, senior author and first author publications of relevance to the position and demonstrate an impact on the scientific field.
• Extensive experience with supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students, as well as postdocs
• Experience in the organization, restructuring and management of undergraduate courses at the highest level.
• Commitment to and an interest in the continuous development of existing courses and supervision at both BSc and MSc levels

• Upholding the principles of ethical scientific conduct
• Documented ability to obtain independent research grants from private and public foundations.
• Profound experience in the study of plant membrane biology-related issues in the context of plant stress adaptation and in the development of new methodology within membrane biology-related areas
• Experience in characterization of plant membrane proteins and heterologous expression of membrane proteins
• Experience with cell biology aspects, including bioimaging techniques.
• Good collaborative skills with other research groups.
• Documented experience in organizational tasks such as involvement in departmental committees within both teaching and research
• Experience with outreach activities and communication of research to the public via e.g., popular science events, press releases, interviews.

The professor’s duties will include both research and research-based teaching. including obligations with regards to publication/Scientific communication, and research-based teaching. Teaching is expected at the MSc, BSc and PhD levels.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

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. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement.
Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5c_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-professors.pdf .

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 Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Svend Christensen ([email protected], +45 51489421).

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• 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

The deadline for applications is 8 April 2024, 23:59 GMT+2

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/.

Interviews will be held on 19 August 2024.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0267/24-2K Professor within Plant Membrane Biotechnology

Kilde: Jobnet.dk