Postdoc in Non-coding RNAs during Plant Regeneration

Department of Plant Biology
A Post-doctoral position is available at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden to investigate how non-coding RNAs control plant regeneration. Non-coding RNAs are a recently discovered and largely unexplored aspect of gene regulation that we believe play an important role in how plants regenerate tissues. The position is in partnership with Dr. Sebastian Marquardt’s group at the University of Copenhagen.

The Post-doc position is funded by a project grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the successful applicant will work in the group of Charles Melnyk (https://melnyklab.com/) for an initial period of two years. The department is located in the recently built Uppsala BioCenter at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Uppsala is a lively university city, conveniently located close to Stockholm (40 minutes by train) and Stockholm’s main international airport (20 minutes by train). The position will involve regularly visiting Copenhagen and collaborating closely with the Marquardt group (https://plen.ku.dk/english/employees/?pure=en/persons/486928).  

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Duties:
The aim of this Postdoc position is to characterize the transcriptional landscape during plant regeneration to identify coding and non-coding RNAs that change expression. Relevant candidates will be further investigated to understand how non-coding RNAs regulate regeneration. The project will take advantage of the latest sequencing technology and use CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to generate mutants. Modified plants will be tested for their ability to inhibit or enhance regeneration. The project will be coordinated together with Dr. Sebastian Marquardt, an expert in non-coding RNAs.

Qualifications:
Candidates should have a PhD in plant developmental biology, plant genetics, plant molecular biology or related topics that the employer considers equivalent. Prior work with genetics, plants, RNA, transcriptomics, microscopy and molecular biology are assets. Experience with techniques that require micro-manipulation such as grafting, tissue culture or meristem dissection would be a merit. Experience with RNA or transcriptional regulation is also a merit. Creativity, motivation and drive are important personal characteristics as is excellent proficiency in English since English is the working language in the research group. Candidates should also have an ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, ask pertinent scientific questions, and interact well with other scientists. A demonstration of previous scientific output is also highly desirable, such as a first author or joint-first author published paper. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. 

Place of work:
Uppsala.

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
2023-07-01 or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2023-03-17, use the button below.

Applications must include (1) CV with full publication list, (2) a description of research experiences, (3) a letter of motivation, (4) a copy of the PhD diploma (in swedish or english) and (5) contact information of two to three references.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se