PhD Fellowship in Intercropping of Grain Legumes and Cereals

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is seeking candidates for a PhD fellowship in root development and nitrogen dynamics in intercropped grain legumes and cereals. This project is part of the research center “N2CROP,” which is focused on legume innovation and is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. N2CROP aims to advance research and innovation in genetics, agronomics, crop modeling, and molecular nutrition related to legumes. The vision of the center is to contribute to the development of sustainable agri-food systems through biologically fixed nitrogen to provide high-quality plant food protein. The center is a collaboration between Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and La Trobe University.

Start Date: The start date for this position is expected to be March 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Project:
Intercropping is recognized as a potentially more sustainable cropping system that can reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. However, little is known about belowground interactions in intercropping systems. This project will specifically focus on intercropping faba beans and cereals, encompassing both winter and spring varieties. The project will investigate the complementarity and competition, both above and below ground, between crops with a particular emphasis on nitrogen dynamics. It will also study biological nitrogen fixation, the transfer of nitrogen between different plant species, and the effects of specific rhizobium strains on nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, the project will explore root distribution and the impact of cultivars with different root distribution and depth. The research will involve field trials, rhizotube experiments, and fieldwork in collaboration with SLU in Uppsala, where similar experiments will be conducted. The project will also contribute to crop modeling and involve further analyses using harvested seeds in other aspects of the project.

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Who are we looking for?
The university is seeking candidates with a background in crop science, agronomy, and/or root science. Applicants with specific knowledge related to root development and function, grain legume production, intercropping, crop competition, and biological nitrogen fixation are encouraged to apply. Experience with greenhouse and field studies in combination with the above-mentioned topics is advantageous.

About the Research Group:
The PhD position will be a part of the Belowground Crop Ecology research group, led by Associate Professor Dorte Bodin Dresbøll. The research group focuses on resilient and sustainable cropping systems with an emphasis on belowground interactions, root development, and function. Research within the group primarily involves grain legumes, forage legumes, and cereals for food and feed production. The group’s key areas of interest include drought tolerance, nutrient acquisition, and root exudation. The research group is part of the Section for Crop Sciences within the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen. The group is located at the Taastrup Campus outside Copenhagen and has access to modern research facilities, including field and greenhouse setups and specialized root research facilities.

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PhD Programme:
The position will follow the regular PhD programme, which entails full-time employment for a maximum of three years. The successful candidate must enroll as a PhD student at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, and follow the rules and regulations of the PhD programme.

Application and Assessment Procedure:

• All applications and attachments must be submitted in English through the online application system.
• Required application materials include a motivated letter of application (max one page), a curriculum vitae detailing education, experience, language skills, and relevant skills, original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcripts, a publication list (if applicable), and reference letters (if available).

Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 23:59 GMT+1.

Assessment and Interviews:

• After the application deadline, a selection of applicants will undergo academic assessment by an impartial expert assessor.
• Shortlisted applicants will be assessed based on qualifications and experience.
• The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessments.
• Interviews with selected candidates are expected to take place in the second week of January 2024.

Questions:
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor, Associate Professor Dorte Bodin Dresbøll, at dbdr@plen.ku.dk or +45 35333452.

General Information:
For general information about PhD study at the Faculty of Science, visit the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

University of Copenhagen’s Commitment:
The University of Copenhagen encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and is committed to reflecting the surrounding community.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: December 3, 2023
• Employment Start: Expected on March 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Department/Location: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Application Link:
Apply Here