Postdoc position in Plant host-microbiome interactions

Department of Plant Breeding

Seize the rare chance to work side-by-side with plant breeders and pathologists, immersing yourself in the world of microbiome-assisted horticulture and experiencing its advantages and challenges firsthand

About the position

The reciprocal nature of the interactions between the plant and its microbial community is poorly understood. You will investigate mechanisms for plant-microbiome and microbe-microbe interactions in plant-associated microbial communities with reference to different cultivars, biotic and abiotic stresses. You will study the important host plant traits needed to recruit beneficial microbes for improved plant health, nutrient uptake and yield, primarily for the domesticated Malus, Solanum and Brassica species. You will thus have the unique opportunity to be involved in a project in close collaboration with plant breeders and plant pathologists and thus gain first-hand experience of benefits and limitations of microbiome-assisted horticulture. You will have the possibility to develop new connections with many researchers and stakeholders through various seminars and events organized by SLU.

Your profile

You have a research focus in microbiome, plant- microbiome interactions, plant breeding, bioinformatics or similar. You have the ability to work independently as well as in a team. You have contributed to research through publications in peer reviewed international journals. Prior experience with bioinformatic skills and microbiome studies is a merit. You are motivated, highly interesteded in microbiome and plant breeding and have excellent English language skills (both oral and written).

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.

About us

SLU Department of Plant Breeding performs research and education addressing global challenges affecting our livelihoods and the environment. The Plant breeding division works on putting traits into usable forms by understanding their diversity, genetics and their interaction with surrounding environment with the aid of conventional and advanced breeding tools. We apply this knowledge for the genetic betterment of cultivars of economically important crops.

For more information about the department or division visit:https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-breeding/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Alnarp, Sweden

Form of employment:

Fixed-term employment 12 months

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline February, 15th 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

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

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. 

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

Contact person