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 February 2022 or later.

Title:
Microbiome impact on plant growth and resilience

Research area and project description:
Development of microbe-based biologicals to replace current chemical-based pesticides and fertilisers will play a major role in the green transition to a more sustainable agricultural system. The current PhD project will support these efforts by contributing to the deeper mechanistic understanding of plant-microbe interactions that will be required for development of next-generation biologicals.

Specifically, the aim of the project is to exploit Lotus japonicus natural variation to identify and characterize plant genes that are required for mediating interactions with growth-promoting bacteria. You will use network analysis, modeling and machine learning to integrate large sets of plant RNA-seq and genotype data with microbiome profiles to identify candidate genes, which will be validated using plant mutants.

For examples of work on natural variation and Lotus japonicus resources, please see: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-14213-y  and https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13243 

The activities are part of the InRoot project supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (https://mbg.au.dk/en/research/research-centres/inroot/). InRoot is dedicated to deciphering the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of plant-microbe interactions at the root–soil interface.

Qualifications and specific competences:
We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree or enrolled in a Master’s programme in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer science or related fields. The candidate should be able to solve problems independently, have good collaborative skills, and enjoy working at the interface between biology and bioinformatics. Interest in programming and data analysis using Python, R or similar languages is required, as are good communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English.

Note that Aarhus University offers both 4+4 and 5+3 PhD study models (https://phd.au.dk/phd-fellowships-and-scholarships/)

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, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the Bioinformatics Research Centre, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

You will be part of dynamic study environments at the section for Plant Molecular Biology, where work is focused on the study of plant-microbe interactions, and at the Bioinformatics Research Centre that focuses on algorithm development and analysis of large-scale biological data. The research environment is cross-disciplinary with PIs specialized in bioinformatics, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics. You will be advised by associate professor Stig U. Andersen, Aarhus University (main supervisor, plant genomics and bioinformatics), associate professor Cranos Williams, North Carolina State University (NCSU) (co-supervisor, modelling and machine learning), and professor Mikkel H. Schierup, Aarhus University (co-supervisor, bioinformatics).

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark with top museums and dining available in a relaxed atmosphere (https://www.visitaarhus.com). The campus is located within walking distance of the city center, providing easy student access to all the city has to offer.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Associate professor Stig U. Andersen, e-mail: sua@mbg.au.dk

Application procedures

Before you apply, please read the application guide thoroughly. You can find the guide here.

How to apply:

1)      Find the application form:
Go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ – Note, the online application system opens on 1 September 2021.
Choose November 2021 Call with deadline 1 November 2021 at noon (11.59 AM CET).
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”.

2)      Fill in the following information:

• Personal information
• Academic background
• Admission
• Financing (if any)
• Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “Microbiome impact on plant growth and resilience (Mipgrr)”
• Source (how you found out about the call)

Next to some of the information fields you will find a number. Click on the number to get further directions on how to fill in the information field/what information is needed.

3)      Application attachments:
Please be aware that you cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.

If you wish to upload more than one document under each section, you must scan/merge all documents into one large PDF file and upload this. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like. Instead you can indicate a URL where the information is available.

All information in the application must be in English or Danish, preferably English. A certified English translation is required for documents written in languages other than English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) languages.

As a minimum, all applications must include (pdf-files only, max. 20 MB, and no zip):
One reference (template for references)

• Curriculum vitae,
• Motivation (max. 1 page)
• Transcripts, grade point averages (weighted and unweighted), and diploma(s) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. If the original documents are not in English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) then copies of the original documents as well as a certified English translation must be attached.
• Project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.
• Documentation of language skills if required.

After submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an application ID, you should use for reference if needed.

The graduate school reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your educational diploma and transcripts:

• Request additional information to verify an application.
• Reject the application if it is proven, or if the University has reasonable belief, that the information provided is false or if the applicant refuses to provide the requested information, whether or not an offer has already been made. 
• For further information on applying, assessment procedures, etc. please see the GSNS Application Guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. 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.