Postdoctoral position on Small-RNAs in mycoparasitic interactions

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
The department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology undertakes fundamental and applied research focused on interactions involving plants, pathogenic, symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi and other microorganisms and their role in forest and agricultural systems. The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is part of the Uppsala BioCenter at SLU.

Read more about how it is to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Project description:

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules play a central role in gene silencing at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level also known as RNA interference (RNAi). sRNAs are important for a variety of functions in organisms including the interactions between hosts and their parasites, pathogens and symbionts by modulating the regulatory machinery through targeted gene silencing. In addition, sRNAs can move bidirectional between species and influence the biology of recipient species. This project is aimed to study the biological and regulatory roles of sRNAs in fungal-fungal interactions in relation to mycoparasitism and biocontrol of fungal plant diseases.

Work duties:
We seek a motivated postdoctoral candidate to join our ongoing research project on small-RNA based strategies to control fungal plant pathogens. The postdoc is expected to perform RNA-seq (including sRNA and degradome seq) data analysis from the mycoparasitic fungus Clonostachys rosea, and the plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium graminearum and Botrytis cinerea, with focus on sRNAs diversity and expression pattern, their potential target genes and effect on transcriptome during mycoparasitic interactions.

Qualifications:
The candidate should have a PhD degree in biology, bioinformatics, genetics or any other relevant field. PhD should have obtained not later than 3 years before the application deadline (not including parental leave). A proven experience of bioinformatic skills in analysing and managing large sequencing datasets is highly recommended. Previous experience from research in fungal-fungal and plant-microbe interactions will be considered as a merit. Good knowledge of English in both speaking and writing is a prerequisite. Candidates should also have an ability to initiate, plan, and to work in team and independently.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Fixed term employment for 12 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to the agreement

Application:
Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2022-05-20.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/



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.

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