Post-doctoral fellow in Molecular Plant Biology

Subject description

A postdoctoral researcher position is offered to study the molecular mechanism of mechanical signalling in plants and its potential for improving stress resistance and yield in commercial crops like cereals. The goal is to obtain basic understanding on how mechanical signals are perceived by the plant and transmitted to the downstream mediators and regulators. In addition, the aim is to study how controlled mechanical treatments, for instance by rolling, will affect crop growth, yield and resistance. The position is part of a larger project on both fundamental and applied research on mechanical signalling in plants, combining basic knowledge with modern plant breeding.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

In general, the candidate will be expected to conduct:

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related area, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing.
• Experience with plant molecular biology in a lab and/or field context
• Laboratory experience including growing plants in controlled conditions, molecular biology techniques related to RNA/DNA and proteomics

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience with research on stress signalling, metabolomics and phosphorylation cascades
• Experience with model crops, but also agriculturally relevant plant species including cereals, rapeseed, sunflower
• Experience with assessing plant productiviy
• Knowledge of applied plant biology and/or breeding
• Proven history of writing scientific texts including publications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• Cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the position, general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.