Postdoc: Profiling the Evolutionary Adaptation of the Zymoseptoria tritici to Control Measures and Changing Temperatures

The Department of forest mycology and plant pathology offers a stimulating and international research environment. Research at the department includes fundamental and applied aspects of interactions between microorganisms and plants as well as mycology, microbial ecology and evolution. Central themes are plant pathology, biodiversity and nutrient and carbon cycling in agricultural and forest ecosystems. About half of the research in the department is in the area of pathology of crops and forest trees. The position is focused on plant pathology with relevance for agricultural crop production. Current research includes fungal-plant interactions, biological control, integrated pest management, disease resistance, plant defense, evolution of pathogens, population dynamics and epidemiology. The department is responsible for teaching plant pathology for agronomy students as well as in the master program Plant biology for sustainable production, and within courses in mycology, molecular ecology and forest pathology.

One of the greatest challenges in agriculture is how to ensure food security and promote long-term social-economic development whilst maintaining healthy, sustainable ecosystems capable of quickly adapting to changing environments such as climate change. This challenge calls for a shift of disease management strategies in agriculture focusing on the sole task of high productivity to multiple- functionary agriculture aiming to balance the needs among social, economic, and ecological components. Our knowledge of epidemiological and evolutionary responses of major plant pathogens, crop production and ecological functions etc. to the change of agricultural practices in future climatic conditions is limited but important to achieve the multifaceted role of agriculture.

The postdoctoral scientist will work on a) project supported by Formas to develop knowledge supporting ecologically and economically friendly ways of managing plant diseases in times of ongoing climatic changes using wheat- Zymoseptoria tritici as the working system. The post- doctor is expected to use population genomics and transcriptomics approach to understand patterns and drivers of pathogen adaptation to crop resistance and temperature. These will be achieved by comparative analyses of genomic and transcriptomic characters, pathogenicity and fungicide resistance among field populations of the pathogen from different resistant cultivars and temperature regions. The evolutionary knowledge then will be integrated into mathematical models to project future Septoria epidemics and optimize it mitigation. The candidate is also expected to involve in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students when necessary. The successful candidate will mainly be working at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala but is expected to be flexible when it comes to travelling to collaborating research groups domestically and internationally.

We are looking for a highly motivated applicant with a doctorate degree within the last five years Documented experience in working with microorganisms, omics (e.g., genomics and transcriptomics) and ecology are essential. Ability to communicate and present research in English are required. Strong background in statistical packages, evolution and ecology, field research and molecular science are highly valued. Referred publications in good international journals are also highly valued. Experience with project initiation and management is an advantage. Good teamwork, independence, strong work ethic, accuracy and cultural sensitivity are also valued. Selection of qualified applicants will be based on the written application (in English) including a curriculum vitae (CV) and personal references. Selected candidates will be invited to an interview.

The application should be prepared in English with 1-2 pages (A4) description of why you want to apply for the project. Please include the names and contact details of three referees in your application.

Uppsala, Sweden

Fixed term employment of 24 months

100%

Immediate

Application no later than 2024-01-21 

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=9468&rmlang=UK