Post-doctoral fellow in Plant Epigenetics

Subject description

Plants have an amazing ability to respond to environmental challenges through intracellular regulation of their functions. While much focus has been on the roles of genes coding for proteins, plant genomes are vast, containing largely non-coding DNA with unclear functional roles for cells. Our past research revealed how the non-coding genome of plants contributes to cellular resilience mechanisms through the production of non-coding RNA molecules, or through chromatin signatures that correlate with ncRNA production.

We are looking for a post-doctoral fellow enthusiastic about mechanistic Plant Molecular Biology in this area. Specifically, to address the question of how chromatin signatures linked to ncRNA production can inhibit gene induction (DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.03.005 , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007969). As starting point, we have mutants disrupting this mechanism for further research. In addition, a key aspect of this project are “Epigenome Engineering” methods. These rely on targeted recruitment of histone modifying enzymes to sites where gene repression by chromatin-signaling of non-coding operates.

Here, we will utilize NGS chromatin methods (e.g. ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&Run) to assay genome-wide as well as targeted effects of locus-specific epigenome engineering. A strong knowledge of chromatin biology, on the bench as well as on the computer for Next-Generation Sequencing data analysis, will be very helpful for the project’s completion. The research activities in the lab also include RNA biology, this position focuses on the Plant Epigenetics research area (including epigenomics data analysis). Targeted Epigenome Engineering represents a relatively fresh research area, so postdoctoral training in this area promises future opportunities. International research visits to collaborating labs are a possibility to strengthen the international network of the postdoctoral fellow.  There will be a mix of participations: 1.) in ongoing activities where completion is relatively close, and 2.) in initiatives with great freedom to drive developments independently.

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.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within Plant Epigenetics
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• 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 the subject of the position, 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 oral and written proficiency in English.
• Excellent ability to develop and conduct high-quality curiosity-driven research.
• Documented proficiency in Next-Generation sequencing analyses.
• Documented experience in analysis of Next-generation sequencing data for example, using high high-performance computing, R and python.
• Strong background in Molecular Plant Biology, especially Epigenetics.
• Strong commitment to fundamental Plant Biology research.

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:

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

Additional assessment criteria:

• Interest and Passion for the outlined research project in Plant Epigenetics
• Knowledge of Epigenome Engineering approaches
• Proficiency in Next-Generation sequencing data analysis
• Ability to manage and handle large datasets
• Self-motivation
• Perseverance
• Results orientation with aim to finish projects for publication

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,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.