Postdoc in pollination and plant reproductive biology

Department of Plant Protection Biology
The Department of Plant Protection Biology is an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing the Units of Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology and Integrated Plant Protection, providing excellent opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the departmental area.
Duties:
Plants are evolving in response to abiotic and biotic factors, including insect pollinators. Under climate change we can expect several of these factors to change with consequences for natural selection in wild plant populations. Knowledge about how climate change will affect such eco-evolutionary interactions is of fundamental importance, but also holds applied relevance given its direct link to crop pollination services.

The recruited postdoc will study genetic variation in, and natural selection on, plant traits of relevance to sexual reproduction in wild woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca. At disposal to the postdoc will be (1) a replicated common garden with almost 200 sequenced strawberry genotypes collected from across Europe, and (2) five smaller common gardens with a subset of these plants located in Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and Spain. The five common gardens are designed to form a space-for time experiment for studying effects of climate (i.e. latitude and precipitation) on e.g. pollinator-mediated natural selection on plant traits.

We know that these woodland strawberry genotypes show genetic variation in many traits incl. anti-herbivore defense, flower phenology, frost tolerance, and runner production. The plant genotypes also seem to vary in other traits of relevance for reproductive biology, incl. floral morphology (e.g. stamen length), relative investment to flowers and runners, and selfing potential. The traits to focus on will be decided by the recruited postdoc in dialogue with mentors and other project members.

The successful candidate will actively design experiments, analyze data, and write and publish scientific papers in collaboration with the research team. The postdoc will be expected to spend much time in the field during field season 2020. S/he should also be prepared to spend time in the different common gardens in Sweden, Finland, Belgium, and Spain.

The current 12-months postdoctoral position may be extended to 24 months, depending on additional funding.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in Pollination Biology, Ecology or similar subject. Scientific qualifications within the area are necessary. Good collaborative ability is also necessary. The ranking of candidates will be made based on proven scientific competence within the subject of the position. The candidate should have the ability to work independently, and take own initiatives. Experience of remote sensing (automated photography) of plant traits would be appreciated, but is not a requirement.


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:
SLU Alnarp

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 12 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
As soon as possbile or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-02-26, use the button below.

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

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 in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.