PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD In Detection Of RNA-based Pesticides

PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD In Detection Of RNA-based Pesticides

At Aalborg University (AAU), Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend/Integrated PhD stipend is available within the PhD study program of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 March 2025 or soon hereafter. The stipend is available for 3 or 4 years depending on whether the applicant already holds a master’s degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree can apply for a 3-year position and applicants who have finished 4 years of full-time studies but do not hold a Master’s degree can apply for a 4 years PhD stipend (Integrated PhD stipend). The Integrated PhD stipend is only open for appointment with starting date 1 September 2025.

Jobbeskrivelse
The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section for Ecology and Genomics, invites applications for a PhD fellowship to study the biological effects and environmental fate of biotechnological pesticides based on double-stranded RNA(dsRNA). The project will focus on quantifying impacts on non-target organisms and uncovering mechanisms driving species-specific sensitivities.

This PhD fellowship is part of the ENSAFE project(ENvironmental SAFEty of biotechnological plant protection products based on double-stranded RNA and peptides) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The project aims to develop tools and methods to support evidence-based risk assessment frameworks for bio-based plant protection products(PPPs).

The PhD will specifically investigate:

• Detection methods for dsRNA in environmental samples(e.g., soil), including direct molecule identification and indirect assessments via physiological effects on soil organisms.

• The environmental fate of newly commercialized dsRNA-based products, such as Ledprona(approved in the USA, December 2023) and other non-commercial products.

• Species-specific effects of dsRNA-based PPPs using molecular techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, to explore physiological changes in organisms. Focus will also be on microbiomes.

Requirements:

• A master's degree in biotechnology, toxicology, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field is an advantage.

• Knowledge to, or experience with advanced molecular techniques(e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics) and bioinformatic analysis will be advantageous.

• Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, and excellent communication and collaboration skills are also desired.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement.

• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.

The position includes close collaboration with project bioinformaticians developing genomic-based models to predict species sensitivity. The project involves partnerships with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford and the University of Copenhagen, facilitating interdisciplinary training in ecotoxicology and biopesticide risk assessment.

The PhD student will follow courses according to the university’s PhD program. The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching within ecology, global change biology, and ecosystem modelling and be involved in project-based student supervision within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning, with projects making up half the teaching load at all semesters.

Application:
The application must contain:(1) Cover letter of 1-2 pages describing the motivation for applying and an account of the applicant’s background in relation to the announced position;(2) Project description, which is required for technical reasons– in this case, where you apply for a specific project, you may upload a copy of the project description above;(3) CV;(4) Diploma and transcripts of records; and(5) Other relevant information.

You may obtain further information from Professor Jeppe Lund Nielsen([email protected]) concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

You can read more about the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience here.

Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme, such as Biotechnology, Biology or similar. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement. Experience with molecular biology is an advantage.

The integrated stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month(SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7086(2025 level). When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:[email protected]

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.engineering.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities. Allocation of SU-PhD Grants are according to the Ministerial Order on the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme part 12, section II.

Ansøgningsfrist
2025-02-15

Ref. nummer
18-25006

Afdeling
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience