Postdoctoral fellowship on modelling crop water and nitrogen dynamics under drought and varied nitrogen levels

Crop growth and yield is determined by a range of meteorological and soil variables and how these interact temporally. Among those, water and nitrogen (N) are often the key determinants of growth, their availability to plants is influenced by irrigation and N-fertilization management. In addition, the response of crop to soil water and N status is modified by interaction with climatic conditions, i.e., air temperature and humidity. Exploring the effects of these abiotic factors on crop and unravelling their dependencies requires concurrently monitoring soil/plant water status and plant physiological responses and growth/yield performance. This knowledge is essential for optimizing irrigation and N-fertilization management in sustainable crop production, supporting the green transition in agriculture.

We are looking for a postdoc candidate with background in crop ecophysiology, soil science and plant nutrition, and plant phenomics. Relevant experience includes characterization and modelling of plant water relations, leaf gas exchange, N uptake and partitioning, N-use efficiency and water-use efficiency.

Skills
We are searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate, who should have:

• Solid foundation in plant physiology, crop science or soil science
• Skills in phenotyping, thermal imaging, and remote sensing
• Data processing and analysis skills (programming language: R or other)
• A good understanding of crop models and their use in water and N management
• Demonstrated track record of scientific publications
• Experience in co-supervising students
• Ability in oral and written communication
• Ability to work in collaboration and in a team

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 Crop Stress Physiology group, which specializes in the abiotic stress resilience in crops, stress physiology of photosynthesis, water and nutrients use efficiency of crops in a changing climate. The postdoc will work on a new project on precision agriculture co-funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This is conducted in close collaboration with Aarhus University’s Climate and Water section and partners from other European countries working on model scaling up and validation based on data collected from field trials.

The Crop Stress Physiology group is a part of the Section for Crop Sciences, which hosts eight research groups working on dissecting the interaction between G(enotype),M(anagement) and E(nvironment) as the basis of improving crop growth and production of sustainable food, ornamentals, fibre and bioenergy. 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 Professor Fulai Liu, fl@plen.ku.dk, +45 50103690.

The 3-year postdoc position is open from 1 January 2025 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.

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.

Please include

• Cover letter, including any preferences for working on crop ecophysiology modelling
• Curriculum vitae, including references
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Description of previous research (max. 2 pages)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 3 relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Monday 15 June 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews are expected to be held during the first week of September 2024.