PhD Position in 13C Field Phenotyping and Breeding for Drought Resilience in Crops University of Copenhagen in Denmark

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focused on using 13C isotope enrichment for field phenotyping and breeding for drought resilience in crops. The position is set to commence on February 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This project is part of a recently funded initiative that explores the use of d13C as a proxy for deep rooting in major field crops, with the aim of improving drought stress resilience through advanced breeding strategies.

The research will investigate how natural 13C enrichment in plant material, influenced by stomatal closure and drought stress, correlates with deep rooting among crop genotypes. The project hypothesizes that d13C measurements can serve as an efficient and less labor-intensive alternative to direct deep rooting assessments, thereby facilitating large-scale phenotyping and selection for drought resilience. The work will primarily focus on winter wheat and perennial ryegrass, with studies conducted across multiple genotype trials and locations.

The PhD student will join the Crop Physiology and Production Systems research group, which specializes in crop growth, yield, and quality at various scales, including crop rotation and cropping systems. The group is dedicated to the development of plants for food, feed, and biomass production, providing a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment. The student will work closely with a postdoc and plant breeders, contributing to both methodological development and applied genotype evaluations.

Applicants should possess a MSc degree in agricultural science or a related field, with strong knowledge of plant and crop physiology, hands-on experience in field or whole plant experiments, and proficiency in modern plant analysis and monitoring techniques. Competence in data management, statistical analysis, and collaborative work in multinational teams is essential. Excellent English communication skills are required. Eligibility for the PhD programme requires a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree in a relevant subject area.

The position offers full-time employment for up to three years, with salary and terms governed by Danish state agreements. The successful candidate will undertake independent research, complete PhD coursework, participate in international research environments, engage in teaching and dissemination activities, and produce scientific publications and a doctoral thesis. The application process is fully electronic, and all required documents must be submitted in English by the specified deadline.

For more information about the research group, visit the Crop Physiology and Production Systems group. Details about the recruitment process and PhD programme can be found at the recruitment process page and the Faculty of Science PhD School. For specific questions, contact Professor Kristian Thorup-Kristensen at [email protected]

Applications must be submitted by November 22, 2025. The University of Copenhagen values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.