Postdoctoral researcher Plant Microbiota Interactions

The research group 'Plant Microbe Interactions' at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel (https://duw.unibas.ch/en/plant-microbe-interactions/ ) is welcoming applications for a postdoctoral position. We investigate fundamental questions of root microbiome biology and we want to uncover how plants benefit from their root microbiota for growth or defense. The open position is part of the Swiss-funded ERC project 'Decoding microbiota feedbacks on plants - mifeePs' that aims to uncover the mechanistic basis why certain plants respond with better growth to microbial feedbacks.

The research focus of this project is to uncover the genetic basis how the maize root bacteria cooperate in metabolizing root exudates, in particular the maize exuded bioactive benzoxazinoids. Your main tasks will be to identify loci of the different biochemical steps using comparative genomics, to validate candidate genes and to decode the network of metabolic cooperation using synthetic community (SynCom) experiments. This work is accompanied by a closely related PhD project that will develop high-throughput methodology to build, index and screen mutant libraries of SynCom bacteria.

We are looking for talented candidates with a doctoral degree and ca. 3+ years of experience in microbiology or molecular plant science. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in microbial genetics and a flair for genomic and bioinformatic analyses. Experience in plant-microbiome interactions is welcomed but not required. You are highly self-motivated and committed, have a proactive mindset and a getting-things-done attitude. We are looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented and collaborative person with good communication skills and the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Fluency in spoken and written English is a prerequisite.

We offer a dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities and enthusiastic colleagues from different nationalities and scientific backgrounds. The position can be filled at 80-100% and is currently limited to 3 years with option of an extension. We offer flexible working times and salary will be according to the University of Basel standards. The position is available from now on; start upon agreement.

Application / Contact
Please submit your complete application documents in ONE pdf including a motivation letter, a complete CV and publication record, and contact details of two references. Applications must be uploaded to the recruiting portal. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlaeppi ([email protected] ). Review of applications will begin in week 38, and will continue until the position is filled.