Dear colleagues, Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. Thanks! /Bjørn PhD Position – Structural and Functional Studies of Plant Membrane-Protein Transporters, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark online posting: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/plant-path-center_exciting-phd-opportunity-in... The Opportunity The Plant-PATH Center for Active Transport of Plant Hormones is seeking a motivated PhD student to join Bjørn Panyella Pedersen’s lab. This is a unique chance to study the molecular mechanisms of transmembrane hormone and sugar transport in plants and explore how these processes could contribute to more sustainable agriculture. You will work at the intersection of structural biology, biophysics, and plant physiology, within an international, interdisciplinary team spanning Denmark, Germany, and Belgium. At Plant-PATH, we value team spirit, curiosity, and collaboration, and we are looking for a candidate who will thrive in this environment. About the role The exact focus will be shaped with the successful candidate but will involve structural studies of plant membrane proteins that control growth (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography), and functional assays linking structure to transport activity (e.g., electrophysiology in oocytes, reconstitution in liposomes). The following recent publications illustrate our work: • Ung et al., Nature Plants (2025): AUX/LAX transporters and auxin import • Schulz et al., Nature Plants (2025): Herbicide transport by PIN-FORMED auxin transporters • Andersen et al., PNAS (2025): Molecular selectivity in STP6 and STP10 sugar transport proteins Who we are looking for The ideal candidate will have… • MSc in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field • Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, protein expression, and purification (membrane protein experience a plus) • Curiosity, teamwork spirit, and willingness to ask challenging questions • Some experience with cryo-EM, X-ray data, or transport assays (helpful, but not required) What we offer • Fully funded 3-year PhD with competitive salary • Access to state-of-the-art facilities (Titan Krios, X-ray beamlines, biophysical instruments) • Supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment, where all ideas are welcomed • Collegial culture valuing equality, work-life balance, and regular social events • The chance to be part of the Plant-PATH Centre of Excellence, funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, providing a collaborative network with frequent exchanges, joint seminars and opportunities to spend time in partner labs in Denmark, Belgium, and Germany • Life in Aarhus: a vibrant, green, and safe international city, with rich café culture, thriving arts scene, and abundant outdoor and water sports How to apply Send your CV, a short motivation letter, and two references to Prof. Bjørn Panyella Pedersen ([email protected]) by 15 October 2025 Questions? Feel free to contact Leila Margot Henkes, Centre Coordinator ([email protected]). -- Bjørn Panyella Pedersen, Professor, PhD Director, DNRF Center for Active Transport of Plant Hormones (Plant-PATH) Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Aarhus University Tel: +45 2972 3499 | mail: [email protected] | DNRF Center: plant-path.au.dkhttps://plant-path.au.dk/ | Lab: pedersenlab.dkhttp://www.pedersenlab.dk -- Bjørn Panyella Pedersen, Professor, PhD Director, DNRF Center for Active Transport of Plant Hormones (Plant-PATH) Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Aarhus University Tel: +45 2972 3499 | mail: [email protected] | DNRF Center: plant-path.au.dkhttps://plant-path.au.dk/ | Lab: pedersenlab.dkhttp://www.pedersenlab.dk