Postdoc: HHU_PlantEcologicalGenetics_2024

The Institute for Plant Ecology and Evolution at the Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences of Heinrich Heine University (HHU)
Duesseldorf, Germany, invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Associate (w/m/d) (100 %, EG 13 TV-L, for 2 years - may
be extended up to 3 years): Rapid Evolution to Changing Environments in
Brassicaceae: Bridging Ecology and Genetics

To be filled as soon as possible

Our research focuses on the responses of plant populations to climate
change and attempts at disentangling the relative contributions of
adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and range shifts. We also aim to
identify the drivers of rapid contemporary evolution and uncover the
genetic basis of climate change adaptation. To examine these themes,
we combine traditional field- and greenhouse-based studies, as well as
the resurrection approach, with quantitative genetics and ecological
genomics. Our lab is integrated in the research initiative TRR 341 on
Plant Ecological Genetics.

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral associate to collaborate
on ongoing research projects studying climate change adaptation
in Brassicaceae. The postdoc is also encouraged to develop related
projects within the lab's research framework and to apply for independent
third-party funding to develop their own research profile. The position
has a teaching requirement of 4 SWS (contact hours per week). The courses
cover basic ecology and evolutionary biology.

YOUR TASKS:
- Use the resurrection approach to study rapid evolution in Californian
  Brassica rapa populations in response to drought
- Conduct common garden experiments in the greenhouse and/or field to
  score phenotypic differences between Brassica rapa populations under
  different experimental conditions (i.e., water and nutrient
  limitations)
- Conduct and support fieldwork for in situ sampling and scoring of
  local Brassicaceae species and populations to identify inter- and
  intraspecific trait and genetic variation underlying ecological
  diversification and local adaptation
- Apply statistical and computational tools for the analysis of trait,
  environmental, and next-generation sequencing data
- Present research results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed
  scientific journals
- Supervise and mentor students in the lab, coordinate and supervise
  student crews during experiments and fieldwork season

YOUR PROFILE: 
- PhD in the field of plant biology, ecology, botany, evolutionary or
  population genetics, quantitative biology or related
- Experience designing and conducting large multi-factorial plant
  experiments (i.e., common gardens, reciprocal transplants, measure
  plant functional traits, etc.)
- Experience in the use of statistical methods to analyze quantitative
  datasets and programming languages (e.g., R, Java, Python)
- Experience with population genetics, NGS data, SNP calling, genome
  annotation, standard molecular techniques is desired
- The languages spoken in the group are English and German -
  demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both languages is
  important (written and spoken) since the position involves teaching at
  the undergrad level (mostly in German)
- Good interspersonal skills (i.e., communication, cooperation, motivate
  others, open-minded, etc.)
- Lawful ability to work in the EU (i.e., Schengen residence/work
  permit)

WE OFFER:
- A unique, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research network in the field
  of Plant Ecological Genetics (TRR 341) that bundles the expertise of
  excellent scientists from seven different research institutions.
- A comprehensive training program with targeted scientific education in
  the field of Plant Ecological Genetics as well as complementary
  training supporting your personal and career development (GEcoGen,
  iGRAD, JUNO, HeRA)
- Family-friendly and multicultural working environment

TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should send their application (Cover Letter including
statement of research interests - max. 2 pages, CV including publication
list, contact info of three references, BSc, MSc, and PhD certificates)
by e-mail (one single pdf-file) until 30.04.2024 to elena.hamann@hhu.de.

If you have further questions on the project or position,
please contact Prof. Elena Hamann and see lab website
https://www.biologie.hhu.de/institute-und-abteilungen/institute-hhu/pflanzenoekologie.

"Hamann, Elena" <Elena.Hamann@hhu.de>

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