Postdoc position in Plant host-microbiome interactions

Department of Plant Breeding
SLU Department of Plant Breeding performs research and education addressing global challenges affecting our livelihoods and the environment. The Plant breeding division works on putting traits into usable forms by understanding their diversity, genetics and their interaction with surrounding environment with the aid of conventional and advanced breeding tools. We apply this knowledge for the genetic betterment of cultivars of economically important crops.
Duties:
The reciprocal nature of the interactions between the plant and its microbial community is poorly understood. You will investigate mechanisms for plant-microbiome and microbe-microbe interactions in plant-associated microbial communities with reference to different cultivars, biotic and abiotic stresses. You will study the important host plant traits needed to recruit beneficial microbes for improved plant health, nutrient uptake and yield, primarily for the domesticated Malus and Brassica species. You will thus have the unique opportunity to be involved in a project in close collaboration with plant breeders and plant pathologists and thus gain first-hand experience of benefits and limitations of microbiome-assisted horticulture. You will have the possibility to develop new connections with many researchers and stakeholders through various seminars and events organized by SLU.

Qualifications:
The applicant must have a PhD degree in a research area such as microbiome, plant-microbiome interactions, plant breeding, bioinformatics or the like. The position is primarily intended for a junior researcher with a recent PhD degree. You should have the ability to work independently as well as in a team. You should have contributed to research through publications in peer reviewed international journals. Prior experience with bioinformatics skills and microbiome studies is a merit. You should be motivated, highly interested in microbiome and plant breeding and have excellent English language skills (both oral and written).

Place of work:
Alnarp

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 2 years (postdoc agreement)

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-04-30, use the button below.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photograph.

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.