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 När du skickar e-post till SLU så innebär detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur detta går till, klicka här E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here Carolina Diller (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)