Researcher in Molecular Plant Biology

Work duties

A postdoctoral research position is offered to study stress responses to touch in plants. Since plants cannot move away from adverse conditions, they have developed extensive molecular and physiological defence systems. Plants can thus respond to a range of stimuli such as touch, pathogen infection, access to water, changes in light intensity, temperature, etc. The project will focus on understanding signal transduction pathways that regulate gene expression in response to environmental stressors, with a focus on mechanical stimulation. The project also aims to evaluate whether controlled mechanical stimulation can increase yield and stress resistance in cereals, in collaboration with the business community. The researcher is also expected to apply for external funding and to participate in teaching at undergraduate, advanced and postgraduate levels. There is an opportunity for higher education pedagogical training, supervision of thesis and doctoral students. Administration related to the above tasks is included.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD within molecular biology, biochemistry or related subject.
• The researcher must have experience in plant molecular biology, with experience in Arabidopsis thaliana and crops as model organisms, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, cloning, transformation of different plant species, confocal microscopy.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good ability to develop and conduct research of good quality, with published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Pedagogical ability, i.e. experience with teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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

Permanent position (full-time) starting 30 June 2025.  An initial probationary period of 6 months may be applicable.

Contact person: Olivier Van Aken (olivier.van_aken@biol.lu.se).

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 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.