Postdoc within Entomology and Biological Control

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH) invites applications for a position as postdoc within entomology and biological control with focus on using entomopathogenic fungi as a tool in IPM for control of larvae of the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) in the soil-root interphase. The postdoc will be part of the newly funded European network project FlyIPM under the initiative C-IPM (Coordinated Integrated Pest Management in Europe) which includes 8 countries. The framework of the overall project is presented at http://c-ipm.org/news/nyhed/artikel/getting-to-the-root-of-root-flies/. The activities at UCPH will mainly be coordinated with partners from UK, Ireland and Norway.

At UCPH, the postdoc will be responsible for testing different application methods of entomopathogenic fungi during cabbage seedling propagation in greenhouse settings for evaluation of fungal establishment in the soil-root interphase. Infection success and survival of root fly larvae related to the different application methods will be assessed. Focus will be on methods with practical relevance for growers.

The postdoc position is 17 months with starting date of 15 July 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Qualifications and selection criteria
Applicants must have a PhD within entomology, biological control, insect pathology or related areas. Qualifications within several of the following scientific areas are required:

• Experiments with herbivorous insects and plants.
• Fungal in vitro cultivation and fungal inoculation techniques.
• Insect rearing.
• Experimental design and statistical data analyses.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience with PCR techniques.

The postdoc is expected to be enterprising and have excellent English communication skills.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the project FlyIPM, as well as occasional teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position and the activities within FlyIPM can be made to Associate Professor Nicolai V. Meyling by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The position is open from 15 July 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 408,730 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 69,893). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include 

• Curriculum vita
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan with 1-2 page summary of suggested experimental work
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 23 April 2017.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on 22-24 May 2017.

MORE DETAILS HERE