Postdoctoral researcher in plant-insect interaction

12 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

15 Feb 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020 / ERC

Reference Number

101044878

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This position is part of the ambitious 5-year ERC Consolidator project DETOXPEST funded by the European Research Commission and is aimed at improving pesticide selectivity by exploiting the plant´s natural response mechanisms to insect herbivory. The successful candidate for this position will join the Stael Lab , a part of The Plant Catabolism Laboratories , at the Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, SLU.

Background: Insects numbers and diversity have rapidly declined in the EU and worldwide. Pesticides, and particularly the toxicity of insecticides to non-target insects, are one of the major drivers of insect declines. Apart from destabilizing natural ecosystems, pollinator disappearance directly threatens food security. The Stael lab pioneers the study of proteolysis in the plant wound response, following our recent discovery that physical damage activates a class of proteases called metacaspases (doi/10.1126/science.aar7486 ). The main purpose for the position in this project is to find out additional substrate targets of metacaspases and explore the activation of other plant proteases during insect herbivory. The work will involve an exploration of the damage-activated protease-substrate network through proteomics in the economically relevant crop-pest interaction of maize (corn) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Additional biochemical, genetic and cell biological approaches will be performed in the model organisms Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. The final goal is to use this newfound knowledge to reduce toxicity of insecticides for non-target (beneficial) insects, including pollinators and predators.

Uppsala BioCenter brings together scientists and students from the Departments of Molecular Sciences , Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology , Plant Biology , and Aquatic Resources . The Departments share advanced technological platforms and enjoy both basic and applied research across all kingdoms of life, thus offering a stimulating environment for scientific development and education.

Department of Molecular Sciences conducts research and education in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, food science and microbiology with a focus on fundamental biological processes as well as development of applications for a sustainable future.

Place of work: Uppsala, Sweden

Employment: a two-year postdoc position with the possibility of extension

Extent: 100%

Starting date: 1st of April 2024, or soon thereafter

Application: Submit your application until the 15th of February, 2024, using this link

https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=9496&rmlang=UK

 

The application must contain: i) a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this position and what you would like to discover in this project (max 1 page), ii) CV, including a list of publications, and iii) contact information of minimum two references.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated plant-insect specialist with strong analytical skills and a keen interest in uncovering novel mechanisms of the plant wound response. Candidates are required to have a deep knowledge of plant and insect biology. Candidates with experience in proteomics, protein engineering, and pesticide formulation, are particularly encouraged to apply. Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English are expected. To be eligible for a postdoctoral position, the applicant must have a PhD degree in life sciences obtained within the last three years.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Country

Sweden

City

Uppsala

Postal Code

750 07

Street

Almas allé 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=94…

Contact

City

Uppsala

Website

http://www.slu.se

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

+4618673187

STATUS: EXPIRED