Assistant professor position in mRNA modifications in plants

Assistant professor position in mRNA modifications in plants at Department of Biology
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

A 3-year Assistant professor position in the field of covalent mRNA modifications in plants is available in the Brodersen laboratory at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. The position is available from April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Information on the department can be found at: www1.bio.ku.dk  

Our research
Our group is part of the Section for Computational and RNA Biology at the Department of Biology and is situated in Copenhagen Biocenter in central Copenhagen. We have office and laboratory space as well as growth chambers in the Biocenter,but use greenhouse facilities at another campus of the university.

We use genetic, biochemical and transcriptomic approaches to understand both mechanistic aspects of post-transcriptional genetic control and its biological functions. The majority of our work is conducted using plants, in particular Arabidopsis, as a model system, but some collaborative projects also make use of mammalian cell culture. Whenever possible, we engage in collaborations with groups with expertise complementary to ours, for instance in computational and structural biology.

The group is international and currently has 6 core members.

The project
The project focuses on understanding, and potentially using, the mechanisms used by plant N6-methyladenosine-binding proteins of the YTHDF family to stimulate growth in plants. We maintain a particular focus on combinatorial control of mRNA properties by distinct RNA-binding proteins partnering with YTHDF proteins.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for assistant 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 the overall assessment of 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/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with experience in plant RNA biology.

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in plant molecular biology
• You have experience with transcriptomic techniques in plants, in particular crosslinking/immunoprecipitation techniques, documented by lead-author publications in major journals
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience and knowledge in the field of covalent mRNA modification

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Biology, Copenhagen Biocenter, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years.The starting date is April 1 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

Questions
For further information please contact Peter Brodersen; pbrodersen@bio.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

Deadline for applications: 5 February 2026, 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 the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 9.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.