Post-doc position in organism biology: with emphasis on a protist plant pathogen

The Department of Plant Biology is one of three more basic research-intensive departments at Uppsala Biocenter https://www.slu.se/en/faculties/nj/this-is-the-nj-faculty/cluster/uppsala-biocenter/ . The Biocenter also has developed tight ties with the national SciLife Laboratory platforms in Uppsala and Stockholm on various NGS analysis, microscopy and bioinformatics. The Plant Biology department is a partner of the Linnean Center for Plant Biology in Uppsala. The mission of the department is to develop basic knowledge about genomic, developmental and defense processes of importance for plants. In these areas the work focuses on genetic, cellular and molecular research, addressing questions fundamental for the biology of whole plants, and of interactions between plants and other organisms. For further details, see:

https://www.slu.se/en/faculties/nj/this-is-the-nj-faculty/cluster/uppsala-biocenter/ .

https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi-skogsgenetik/ .

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

This project is about to enhance our understanding of infection processes of a Rhizarian plant pathogen by learning from animal Alveolata pathogens.

The project comprises two integrated parts regarding Rhizaria and Alveolata pathogens. We aim to clarify if; 1. the plant pathogen has developed specific structures to facilitate the infection. Structures that attach to the plant surface followed by injection of its cellular content into the host plant. And if; 2. the adhesin-binding plant proteins play important roles in the plant-pathogen interaction process and if the pathogen highjacks the host peroxisomes to favour the infection process.

The work requires extensive molecular and microscopic analysis, and experience of sequence comparisons. We will use Arabidopsis mutants to verify selected genes of importance and complementation studies using plant pathogenic sequences in the Toxoplasma gondii parasite known to have similar infection structures that we believe is of importance. The latter part is planned to be accomplished in collaboration with a French research group. The long-term goal is to deepen our understanding of the infection processes and thereby shaping the search for suitable resistance traits in plants.

The applicant should have a deep interest in organism biology, genomes and infection strategies deployed by pathogens. The applicant should have a PhD degree in molecular biology with emphasis on plant defense or related knowledge that the employer considers equivalent. Creativity, motivation and drive are important personal characteristics as is excellent proficiency in English since English is the working language in the research group. Candidates should also have an ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, ask pertinent scientific questions, and interact with other scientists.

Additional knowledge in; comparative genomics, advanced microscopy, and gene functional analysis including gene editing and French is a merit.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

Selection of qualified applicants will be based on: a short description of previous research, a motivation for applying to this project, and other activities of relevance for the position (max 2 pages), CV, publication list, a copy of the PhD diploma (in swedish or english), and contact information to 2 personal references. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and social competence. Selected candidates will be subjected to an interview IRL or via zoom.

Uppsala.

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

100%.

According to agreement.

We welcome your application no later than 2023-02-20, use the button below.

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

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.

www.slu.se

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