Laboratory Technician, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

The Geu-Flores group at PBIO-PLEN (Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen) is looking for an experienced laboratory technician preferably with a strong background in plant tissue culture & transformation and/or plant molecular biology. The position is a 2-year position with effect from 1 August 2025.

About us

The Geu-Flores group is a dynamic research group that investigates how plants make natural products with relevance for agriculture, nutrition and medicine. We uncover the chemical secrets of plants and use them to develop new & nutritious crops or produce plant pharmaceuticals in a sustainable way. Our research is multidisciplinary spanning chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, transport biology, plant genetics, and plant biotechnology.

One important application of our research is the production of novel lupin and faba bean lines without anti-nutritional compounds (e.g. toxic alkaloids). Towards this goal, we aim at setting up a gene-editing platform that may include plant tissue culture & transformation.

Tasks

The laboratory technician will aid group members with experiments related to the research areas mentioned above. In addition, the laboratory technician will be responsible for setting up and maintaining common systems as well as promoting good laboratory practice within the group.

Your task may include

• Preparing plant samples for chemical analysis
• Processing analysis data for quantification of chemical compounds
• Sowing, watering, and/or pollinating plants in growth chambers or greenhouses
• Genotyping plants, e.g. via PCR and Sanger sequencing
• Testing new systems for gene editing in lupin and faba bean, including plant tissue culture & transformation (e.g. Agrobacterium-based)
• Organizing and maintaining common chemicals/enzymes/kits as well as plasmid databases
• Training of new group members in basic laboratory protocols
• Aiding group members in their preparation for laboratory-based teaching

We expect

• A degree as Laboratory Technician or equivalent
• At least two years of related experience in a research laboratory
• Preferably experience with plant tissue culture & transformation and/or plant molecular biology
• Excellent English language skills (English is the working language)
• Danish language skills are a plus but not a requirement
• A service-oriented mindset
• Excellent organizational skills
   

We offer:

• A dynamic, international, and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for acquiring new experience in several research areas
• Participation in projects aligned with the green transition
• LEAF-certified laboratories (bronze sustainability certification from 2024)

Terms of salary and employment

The employment is made in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Organisations of Public Employees – governmental institutions (the OAO-S collective agreement) and the Professional Agreement for clerical employees, laboratory technicians and IT-officers in the state.

You will be employed as a laboratory technician in salary group 4. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.  The working hours are 37 hours per week on average.

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is in the process of implementing a new joint administrative organization and new workflows, which will bring changes in the coming years. For further information, you may contact union representative Lisbeth Mikkelsen (limi@plen.ku.dk). You can also read more here.

Your application

If you find the job interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 18 May 2025.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.

Further questions

Any questions about the position may be directed to Fernando Geu-Flores (feg@plen.ku.dk, +45-60571982).

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master's students in 12 departments. The Faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at https://science.ku.dk/english/.