Postdoc of Investigation of Oxygen Dynamics in Enzymatic Degradation of Biomaterials

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) invites applicants for a 2-years Postdoctoral fellowship in oxygen-dependent enzymes and their role in the conversion of biomass. The position is part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation funded project “OxyMiST,” a joint international research effort to investigate “Oxygen Constraints on Microbial Secretomes during Plant Cell Wall Turnover” (OxyMiST).

Project Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate oxygen dynamics in the enzymatic degradation of wood. The researcher will specifically explore whether reactive oxygen species act as limiting factors or stress factors in the degradation of biomaterials. Improved understanding of these processes can enable new or improved methods for utilizing forest or agricultural products in a green bioeconomy.

The position is highly collaborative and is part of the international research consortium OxyMiST, which aims to understand oxygen as a factor in biomass degradation. The consortium meets online monthly and in-person yearly. More information can be found here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on the enzymatic degradation of wood and wheat straw.
• Investigate enzyme-driven or abiotic processes (e.g., carbohydrate oxidase, LPMO, peroxidase, laccase, catalase).
• Analyze the role of reactive oxygen species in these degradation processes.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and utilize available biomasses, pretreatments, and enzymes at IGN.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biochemistry, biology, environmental science).
• Experience with enzymatic processes and biomaterial degradation.
• Experience with oxygen-controlled equipment (e.g., bioreactors, glovebox, gas-tight systems).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Research Environment: The research will be carried out in the laboratories of the Biopolymers and Redox Enzymes group as well as the Bioresource Chemistry and Technology group at the Section for Forest, Nature and Biomass, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. We are located close to the heart of Copenhagen, at the Frederiksberg Campus on Rolighedsvej 23, Frederiksberg C.

The research group consists of several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and our laboratory is particularly well-equipped to work with oxygen-dependent biological samples and enzyme reactions. The OxyMiST project has two partner institutions: Cambridge University (UK) and INRAE Marseille (France). The successful applicant will thus join a vibrant international research environment.

Contact: If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Søren Brander (sbd@ign.ku.dk) or Associate Professor Sune Tjalfe Thomsen (stt@ign.ku.dk).

The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management – University of Copenhagen

The position is open from 15 May 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

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 23 March 2025, 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 will be held during the weeks 16 – 17.