Postdoctoral position in plant small RNA mobility

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:
Mobility of small RNAs in plants: small RNAs are the central components of RNA silencing in plants which provide sequence specificity for an extensive regulative layer in gene expression. This machinery is especially known for its important role in defense against selfish nucleic acids including viruses and transposons, but it is also involved in the regulation of plant endogenous genes. Our current project is particularly interested in the role of intercellular and transgenerational mobility of small RNAs and associated regulation. One planned approach will be to utilize virus diversity for studying small RNA mobility and its role in antiviral defence, aided by effectors that provide virus-based system interference. We emphasize, however, that the project is explorative and the detailed research strategies are partially open to tailoring towards the hired postdoctoral researcher´s expertise and interest. An essential part of the work will be small RNAseq, and likely also include genetics, biochemical and cell biological approaches using Arabidopsis as the primary plant model.

Environment: The successful applicant will work in the research group of Dr. Anders Hafrén (https://andershafren.wixsite.com/website) at the Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (www.slu.se/en/vbsg) and Linnean Centre for Plant Biology in Uppsala, Sweden (http://lcpu.se/). The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the cluster ‘Uppsala BioCenter’ at SLU.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a recent PhD degree in molecular biology with experience in (small) RNA biology and RNA deep sequencing analysis or related knowledge that the employer considers equivalent. Documented abilities to manage a laboratory research project and experience with molecular biology techniques in Arabidopsis are required. Knowledge of genetic, biochemical, cell biological and virology approaches in the Arabidopsis plant system is highly valued. 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 take initiative, ask pertinent scientific questions, and interact with other scientists.

As postdoctoral positions 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 possible extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement, ideally beginning of 2022.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2021-11-15, use the button below.

Applications should include Curriculum Vitae, description of research experiences, a copy of the PhD diploma (in swedish or english), statement of scientific interests and motivation for applying to this position.

 

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.