Two Postdoc positions of two and a half years on a cross disciplinary research project on structure-activity relationships (SAR) of chemical plant defense against herbivorous insects

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences 
Faculty of Science 
University of Copenhagen

Job description 
Triterpenoid saponins constitute a structurally diverse class of natural plant defense compounds, which are wide spread across the plant kingdom, and appear to have evolved recurrently through evolution. Specifically, triterpenoid saponins in the wild crucifer species Barbarea vulgaris are responsible for natural resistance towards a devastating agricultural pest, the diamond back moth (DBM), and other insect herbivores. TheDBM is the most serious pest of crucifer crops worldwide, and discovery of new sources of resistance has great potential in plant protection. Despite their potential for plant protection in production, we know surprisingly little about which saponin structures are toxic to certain herbivores, and which are not. In a multidisciplinary project, we have two postdoc positions available to study the relationship between saponin chemical structures and their biological activity, ecological function, diversity and evolution. A PhD student and a postdoc working within plant biochemistry and plant metabolomics, respectively, will also be employed on the project.

One postdoc (no 1) will identify and analyse enzyme encoding genes involved in the triterpenoid saponin pathway, and metabolically engineer novel saponins in model plants, transiently in tobacco and stably in Arabidopsis thaliana, by expressing combinations of biosynthetic genes from a range of plant species to produce known and new-to-nature triterpenoid saponin genes. Based on this, Structure- Activity-Relationships (SAR) will be addressed using e.g bioassays.

The other postdoc (no 2) will explore natural variation in saponins in Barbarea vulgaris and related species, with special focus on interspecific hybrids, and study the effect of these on selected insect herbivores. Plants with novel saponin structures and resistance will be analysed for associated gene and enzyme-composition.

For both positions, a palette of diverse saponin structures will be tested in bioassays and experiments with specialist and generalist insect herbivores, as well as in insect cell lines, to decode which saponin structures have a given specific biological activity and function. Some of the bioassays will be done in collaboration with our international collaborators.

The postdoc projects are to be carried out in an internationally competitive cross-disciplinary research team, including ecological, evolutionary, genetic, molecular and biochemical aspects of plant resistance. The research environment is stimulating and international with English being the working language. Short research stays within laboratories of our international collaborators outside Denmark are envisioned. The research environment is financially supported by funding from the EU and from the Danish Council for Independent Research.

Your key tasks as postdoc fellows at the Faculty of Science are to develop the research project using your knowledge within plant biology, ecology and evolution, and/or biotechnology, and by applying the appropriate state-of-the-art technologies and innovative approaches to advance your work. Dedication and the ability to collaborate and profit from interactions with other members of the research group and affiliated research groups are additional success criteria.

Qualification requirements 
For both postdocs

• Documented research qualifications such as a PhD or equivalent.
• Fluency in English. UCPH generally encourages employees who do not speak Danish to acquire a working knowledge of the language.
• Broad curiosity in biological questions and open-mindedness to cross-disciplinary research.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate.

Requirements to postdoc 1

• Education in biochemistry and molecular biology, or equivalent.
• Experience with metabolite and gene expression analysis.
• Experience with molecular biology and genetic engineering.
• Experience with bioinformatics.
• Preferentially knowledge of, or experience in organic structure elucidation.

Requirements to postdoc 2

• Education in biology, or equivalent.
• Specialization in chemical ecology and evolution.
• Experience with metabolite analytical methods and data analysis.
• Experience with experimental studies of plant-herbivore interactions.
• Broad knowledge in ecological aspects of plant-herbivore interactions.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/departments/

Inquiries about the positions can be made to Professor Søren Bak (postdoc 1) bak@life.ku.dk or Associate Professor Thure Hauser (post doc 2) tpha@life.ku.dk

The positions are open from 1 December 2013 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 positions are 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 402,046 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK68,750). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY ONLINE below. 
Please include 
- Curriculum vita. 
- Diplomas. 
- Research plan – description of current and future research plans. 
- Complete publication list. 
- Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers.

The deadline for applications is 4 October 2013. 
Interviews will be held on in October/November2013.

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