PhD in AI-guided redesign of contractile injection systems Department of Biology Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD position working at the interface of protein design and insect physiology commencing 01.08.2025.

Description of the scientific environment
The Halberg lab at the University of Copenhagen is looking to recruit a highly talented and motivated PhD candidate for our group. Our lab is interested in how endocrine messengers (neuropeptides and hormones) coordinate organ functions by relaying information about the internal state or external environment in a manner that allows the organism to adapt and survive. We mainly use two model organisms Tribolium castaneum and Drosophila melanogaster to explore these using genetic and molecular tools to interfere with the function of molecules, cells or organs in order to study the impact on the whole organism. Beyond gaining insights into the basic underpinning biology, our research aims to develop more eco-friendly insect pest control solutions.

For more information, see our lab homepage: https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/the-neuroendocrinology-and-physiology-group/ or follow us on X: @HalbergLab

Description
This project will combine AI-guided protein design and biophysical tools with insect genetics and neuroendocrinology to produce novel insect pest control solutions with the potential to transform current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. The project will aim to achieve this by [1] reengineering a programmable bacterial injection system to selectively deliver ‘green’ neuropeptide-/RNAi-based biocides; [2] characterizing the molecular, cellular and organismal mechanisms underpinning the mode of action of the re-designed injection systems; [3] validating and demonstrating these novel biocontrol agents in laboratory and field-like applications. Together, this project aims to deliver innovative and ‘eco-friendly’ insect biocontrol solutions, which will reduce the environmental impact of conventional chemical methods and facilitate the green transition of the agricultural sector

Principal supervisor isAssociate Professor, Kenneth Veland Halberg, Department of Biology, Kahalberg@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 26810458.

Formal requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious person who possesses most of the following qualifications if not all:

• PhD degree in Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field
• Excellent peer reviewed publication list in related fields
• Excellent first or corresponding author publications in established journals
• Outstanding skills and knowledge with insect physiology and endocrinology
• Outstanding skills and knowledge with genetics in Tribolium and other insect species
• Outstanding skills and knowledge with molecular and cell biology
• Outstanding skills and knowledge with microdissection and surgical treatments in insects
• Intensive experience with multiple insect model systems
• Excellent ability to communicate in written and spoken English
• Good interpersonal skills, well-organized and absolute independency
• Experience with supervision of PhD student(s) and teaching

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

General responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover Letter, stating your motivation and scientific background.
• CV
• List of publications in peer reviewed journals, teaching experience and so on
• Three contact infomatiuon for reference including job title, affiliation, email address and brief description of the relation with the applicant

Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 23 April 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. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process athttps://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Associate Professor, Kenneth Veland Halberg, Department of Biology, Kahalberg@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 26810458.

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 23-04-2025

Ansættelsesdato: 01-08-2025

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Biologisk Institut