Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, the Plant Nutrition Research Group invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in foliar application of nanozymes.
The project is part of the research project: “Biocompatible nanozymes with anti-oxidative properties to increase crop resilience in a changing climate”, funded by The Independent Research Fund Denmark. Start date is expected to be January 1st, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
As PhD student, you will investigate the mechanisms by which biocompatible Fe-, Mn- and Zn-based nanozymes are taken up, transported and function within plants under drought stress.
The work will focus on advanced imaging of nanozyme localization and cellular interactions using LA-ICP-TOF-MS, TEM-EDX and confocal microscopy, combined with analyses of ROS scavenging and oxidative stress responses.
You will evaluate how nanozyme treatments influence drought tolerance in climate chamber and field experiments. The project aims to generate fundamental knowledge on nanozyme behaviour in plants and support the development of safe, effective nano-enabled strategies for improving crop resilience to drought.
The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Plant Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Nanoscience, Biotechnology or a related discipline. The successful candidate will investigate the uptake, transport and intracellular behavior of biocompatible nanozymes in plants exposed to drought stress.
It is a clear advantage if you have hands‑on experience with LA-ICP-TOF‑MS, TEM‑EDX and confocal microscopy, as well as knowledge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) dynamics and general plant stress physiology.
The candidate should be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and willing to work across the fields of plant biology, analytical chemistry and nanotechnology.
The candidate is expected to be independent, collaborative and curious, and to contribute actively to an international research environment involving close collaboration between group members.
The PhD programme is a three‑year full‑time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
The salary is determined by the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Responsibilities include carrying out an independent research project, completing PhD courses, participating in active research environments, teaching and knowledge dissemination activities, writing scientific papers and defending a PhD thesis.