Postdoc position in Ecological genetics

Department of Plant Biology
The research of the department focusses on plants, but other organisms such as virus, bacteria, fungi, insects, yeast cells and even human cells are also studied. Our main areas or research are: the interaction between plants and microorganisms, and other forms of stress; biotechnology and metabolic engineering; growth and development of plants; the regulation of gene expression; population genetics, genome analysis and the development of breeding systems. Species in use are model organisms such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Physcomitrella, tobacco and yeast, and crops such as rapeseed, basket willow (Salix), potato, barley, rye, wheat and cassava. The department is responsible for basic courses and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, gene technology, cell biology, plant physiology, gene expression, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. Besides, the department contributes to various other biology courses together with other departments. The courses are part of the masters programs in biotechnology and natural resources, and the programs for students in agriculture and landscape architecture, but most courses are open for external students as well.

Duties:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our ongoing research projects on the study of the optimization of diffuse mutualisms in plant-pollinator interactions. The project's main focus is to use a combination of ecological genetic, computer vision, and molecular approaches to estimate how evolution shapes efficient generalist pollination systems. The position is associated with the research group of Adrien Sicard at the Swedish Agricultural University in Uppsala and part of Human Frontier Science Program-funded project involving the Christina Grozinger's Pollinator Behavioral Ecology Lab (The Pennsylvania State University) and the Benjamin Risse's Computer Vision and Machine Learning System Group (Müster University, Germany).

Qualifications:
The candidate should have proven expertise in molecular genetics, ecological statistics and plant-pollinator interactions or related knowledge that the employer considers equivalent. Prior practical experience in the analysis of large nucleotide sequence datasets and bioinformatic skills are assets. 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 with other scientists.

A PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or ecology is required. 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:
Fixed term employment of 24 months, with possible extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
November 2021 or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2021-08-12, use the button below.

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

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.