Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Molecular Biology and Genetics programme. The position is available from November 2025 or later.
Title:
Re-advertisement: Biophysical analysis of disordered regions of plant hormone transmembrane transporters
Research area and project description:
Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Molecular Biology and Genetics programme.
The position is available from Sept 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The research project will focus on membrane proteins central for plant hormone transport and tissue distribution using a range of methods focused on biophysics. There are several potential projects with focus on biophysical investigation, computational modelling and regulation by intrinsically disordered regions. Specific project plans will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate.
The project will be carried out within the newly established Center of Excellence “Plant-PATH - Center for Active Transport of Plant Hormones” funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The Plant-PATH center aims to revolutionize our understanding of how plants adapt to environmental changes and enable the development of crops that can withstand climate change, securing the future of food production.
Plant-PATH will provide a dynamic, collaborative and interdisciplinary environment to carry out the envisioned research, using cutting-edge experimental facilities.
The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) at Aarhus University is the host of Plant-PATH with two satellite locations at the Free University Brussels (ULB) and Technical University Munich (TUM). Aarhus University hosts key cutting-edge infrastructure for the project including a world-class cryoEM facility, a GPU cluster for structural biology and computational modeling (AI-based) applications and a Biophysics core facility, as well as several MBG founded plant research groups that further support the scientific environment. The satellite locations complement the Plant-PATH research environment with world-leading plant experimental infrastructure at TUM and experimental setup for mass spectrometry-based characterization of membrane proteins at ULB.
Magnus Kjærgaard will be the main supervisors, with Professor Bjørn P. Pedersen as co-supervisor.
As the PhD project involves collaboration with national and international partners, some travelling should be expected.
Plant-PATH aims to become a magnet for junior researchers, e.g., through engagement with the scientific community by organizing conferences and online seminars. The center is committed to creating an inclusive and ambitious training environment for researchers at all levels with a focus on equal opportunities, gender balances and diversity. More information about the center available for the web site: www.plantpath.au.dk
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree (or expected to receive it in good time), and a solid background and keen interest in membrane protein transport, plant physiology and/or molecular biology. Applicants currently enrolled in the first year of the Master’s program at Aarhus University can apply for a 4 year PhD pr
The successful candidate has demonstrated excellent academic results. Knowledge and prior experience with protein purification and biophysical characterization is an advantage.
The candidate must be curious and driven, have good collaboration skills, and at the same time be able to take responsibility and work independently.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Associate professor, Magnus Kjærgaard, magnus@mbg.au.dk
Professor, Bjørn Panyella Pedersen, bpp@mbg.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
