Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Molecular Biology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's top universities. It has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles in all parts of our operations.

Specific Subject Description

Plants have an amazing ability to respond to environmental challenges through intracellular regulation of their functions.

While much focus has been on the genes that code for proteins, plant genomes are enormous and largely contain non-coding DNA with unclear functional roles for the cells. Our previous research showed how the non-coding genome of plants contributes to cellular resilience mechanisms through the production of non-coding RNA molecules or through chromatin signatures that correlate with ncRNA production.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who is enthusiastic about mechanistic plant molecular biology in this area. Specifically, to address the question of how chromatin signatures linked to ncRNA production can inhibit gene induction (DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.03.005, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007969). As a starting point, we have mutants that disrupt this mechanism for further research. Additionally, an important aspect of this project is methods for “Epigenome Engineering.” These are based on targeted recruitment of histone-modifying enzymes to sites where gene expression through chromatin signaling of non-coding functions.

Here we will use NGS chromatin methods (e.g., ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&Run) to analyze genome-wide as well as targeted effects of locus-specific epigenome technology. A strong knowledge of chromatin biology, both at the bench and on the computer for data analysis of Next-Generation Sequencing, will be very helpful for the completion of the project. Laboratory research activities also include RNA biology; this position focuses on the research area of plant epigenetics (including epigenomic data analysis). Targeted Epigenome Engineering represents a relatively new research area, so postdoctoral training in this field promises future opportunities. International research visits to collaborating laboratories are an opportunity to strengthen the postdoc's international network. There will be a mix of participation: 1.) in ongoing activities where completion is relatively close, and 2.) in initiatives with great freedom to drive development independently.

Job Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include conducting research. Teaching may be included in the duties, but no more than one-fifth of the working time. Within the framework of the employment, there will be an opportunity for three weeks of higher education pedagogical training.

The job responsibilities also include (e.g.):

• Research in plant epigenetics
• Teaching in the first, second, and third study cycles
• Supervision of theses and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Administration related to the above-mentioned job responsibilities

Eligibility

Eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher is someone who has obtained a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in the subject area of the employment and who has obtained it no more than three years before the date of the employment decision. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier.

Other requirements:

• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Excellent ability to develop and conduct curiosity-driven research of high quality.
• Documented proficiency in Next-Generation sequencing analyses.
• Documented experience in analyzing Next-Generation sequencing data, for example using high-performance computing, R, and Python.
• Strong background in molecular plant biology, particularly epigenetics.
• Strong commitment to fundamental plant biological research.

Assessment Criteria

This is a qualification position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as a starting step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.

When hiring a postdoctoral researcher, the following will be the basis for assessment:

• Excellent ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Pedagogical ability.

Other merits:

• Interest and passion for the described research project in plant epigenetics
• Knowledge of methods for epigenome technology
• Competence in data analysis of next-generation sequencing
• Ability to handle and manage large datasets
• Self-motivation
• Perseverance
• Result-oriented with the goal of completing projects for publication

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and contribute to its future development.

Conditions

The employment is limited to a maximum of 2 years and is full-time. The employment is limited according to the agreement, “Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher,” between the labor market parties dated 2022-02-01 (The Swedish Agency for Government Employers, OFR:s, and Saco-S).

Application Instructions

The application should be written in English and include:

• Curriculum vitae including a publication list.
• A general description of previous research work and future research interests (max three pages).
• Contact details for at least two references.
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other certificates/grades you wish to refer to.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geosciences, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments located within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 330 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

We kindly decline all contacts from advertising sellers, recruitment, and staffing companies due to government procurement regulations.