Quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) are a class of bioactive natural products that accumulate predominantly in legumes of the genistoid clade such as the lupins ( Lupinus spp.). The accumulation of QAs in lupins is problematic, as they confer bitterness and toxicity to the otherwise highly nutritious seeds. At the same time, QAs from other legume species can be of industrial interest, for example, the smoking-cessation agent cytisine, which accumulates in golden chain trees. The biosynthesis of QAs remains obscure, with only the first 3 steps out of around 9-11 steps having been characterized. The elucidation of the remaining QA pathway will enable biotechnological approaches for producing useful QAs and for limiting the accumulation of QAs in lupins.
We are looking for postdoc candidates with experience in natural product biosynthesis in plants who wish to uncover the QA pathway in lupins and other legumes. Relevant experience in alkaloid biosynthesis will be a plus. Other desirable experience includes knowledge of enzymatic reaction mechanisms, natural product purification and structural characterization, and advanced molecular biology skills.
The postdoc's duties will include research as well as grant writing and teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
The successful applicant will join the Geu-Flores group, which specializes in the biosynthesis and transport of alkaloids in plants, including quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins and favism-causing agents in faba bean. The Geu-Flores group is a part of the Section for Plant Biochemistry, which hosts several research groups working on plant natural product biosynthesis, including cyanogenic glucosides, terpenoids, and saponins. The section belongs to the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, which hosts eight sections spanning from molecular biology to crop science and environmental chemistry.
Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Fernando Geu- Flores, [email protected], +45-60571982.
The position is a 13-month position open from 15 April 2024 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 position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
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.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
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The deadline for applications is 17 March 2024, 23:59 GMT+1.
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 https: // employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .
Interviews are expected to be held on 02 April 2024.