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.

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.

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.

Qualifications:

The candidate should have a PhD degree in biology, bioinformatics, genetics or any other relevant field. PhD should preferably have been 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.

Application:

Application should be written in English and must contain (i) CV (curriculum vitae) with full publication list, (ii) a cover letter including a short description of previous research experiences (max 2 pages), (iii) a copy of PhD diploma, and (iv) contact information of at least two reference persons familiar with the applicant’s earlier scientific work.

We welcome your application no later than 2023-06-20.

Place of Work:  Uppsala

Form of employment: Employment as post-doc, 24 months.

Extent: 100%

Starting date: According to the agreement

Contact person:

Magnus Karlsson

Professor

firstname.surname@slu.se

Tel: 018-671837



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.