Postdoctoral stipend: 'Genomics of Heat Stress on Plant Reproductive
Health'
Department of Plant Protection Biology
Due to climate change, plants are increasingly exposed to heat waves when
flowering. This is bad news for the temperature sensitive pollen grains,
as high temperatures can lead to increased pollen sterility. Interested
in being part of the solution? We are looking for a postdoc who is
interested in finding the genetic basis of heat tolerant reproductive
traits in wild woodland strawberries for future plant breeding programs.
About the position
The post doc will be part of an ongoing project looking at the impact
of heat stress on plant reproductive health (e.g. heat induced
pollen sterility), mating system (e.g. ability to self-fertilize)
and plant-pollinator interaction (e.g. impact of heat stress on
nutritive value of pollen grains for pollinators). The aim of this
postdoc position is to identify genetic variants associated with heat
stress that can be used for marker assisted selection in future breeding
programs. The candidate will have at their disposal around 200 genotypes
of the wild woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) that have already been
collected across Europe. We propose to expose these genotypes under two
different controlled environments (heat stress and control) and observe
their phenotypic response. This data will then be used to perform a GWAS
and/or gene expression analysis to find candidate genes related to heat
stress. Hence, we are looking for a candidate with previous experience
in genotypic-phenotypic association analysis. We are also looking for
a candidate that feels confident to participate, in dialogue with the
PI, in the final design and development of the study in addition to
conducting, and analysing experiments. Other duties include writing
scientific manuscripts, presenting project outcomes at seminars and
workshops, and supervising bachelor or master's students as and when
the opportunity arises.
Your profile
Candidates should hold a PhD in biology, ecology, plant breeding,
evolutionary ecology, plant physiology, plant genomics, plant protection,
bioinformatics or a similar subject. It is essential that the candidate
has genomics and bioinformatics experience and is fluent in statistical
analyses. Experience with lab, and common gardens in controlled
environments is a merit. Feeling confident in the subjects of plant
reproductive biology, mating system, quantitative genetics, and plant
breeding is a plus. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented
but also passionate about science, creative and intellectually curious and
enjoys scientific discussions. Excellent communication skills in both oral
and written English are required. The ideal candidate feels comfortable
both with independent and collaborative working styles. As postdoctoral
appointments are career-development positions for junior researchers,
we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is
five years old at most. Due to the nature of the funding, their doctorate
needs to have been granted by an institution other than SLU. Furthermore,
the candidate should not have been employed in Sweden beforehand.
About us
You will be based in the Department of Plant protection Biology at the
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp, Sweden. Research
efforts at the department are directed towards both fundamental
and applied research. The Department of Plant protection Biology is
an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing Integrated Plant
Protection, Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology research units. You
will be part of the Integrated Plant Protection Unit composed of about
15 researchers (professors, associate researchers, researchers, post
docs and PhD students). The Integrated Plant Protection group aims
to generate knowledge towards the development of integrated disease,
pest and pollinator management practices based on conceptual theory
and empirical eco-evolutionary, molecular, and genetic data that can
meet the needs of current and evolving plant production systems. You
will also have ample collaboration possibilities with the neighboring
Plant Breeding Department. The project you will be working on is led by
researcher Carolina Diller, and Johan A. Stenberg, a close collaborator.
The department offers several facilities, such as greenhouses, controlled
environmental chambers (biotron), molecular and chemical labs. The campus
is located in a beautiful park close to the beach reachable by a 10 min
bike ride. We are also surrounded by the academically renown town of Lund,
the third biggest city of Sweden, Malmö, and just a hop away across the
Oresund bridge is Copenhagen. Sweden strives for its healthy work-life
balance working style.
For more information about the department or division visit:
https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-protection-biology/
Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting
https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
Location
Unit of Integrated Plant Protection, Department of Plant Protection
Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp.
Form of employment
Stipend of 12 months with the possibility of extension for an additional
year depending on progress.
Scope
100%
Start date
Subject to negotiation, but preferably February 2025 or soon after.
Application
Please submit your application by 25th August 2024. You can submit your
application by clicking the button below.
Application Link: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=10815&rmlang=UK
Union representatives
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/
Contact: carolina.diller@slu.se
Carolina Diller, PhD
Department of Plant Protection Biology,
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
Alnarp, Sweden
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Carolina Diller
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