Post-doctoral fellow in Plant molecular biology Full-time NEW

Post-doctoral Fellow in Plant Molecular Biology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Post-doctoral Fellow in Plant Molecular Biology: Chlorophyll Biosynthesis and Chloroplast Development

This postdoctoral position focuses on elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development in barley. The research is based on a unique historic collection of barley chlorophyll mutants comprising 357 mutants distributed across 105 genetic loci. The project aims to identify and functionally characterize genes required for chlorophyll accumulation, photosynthetic competence, and plastid biogenesis, with particular emphasis on regulatory and accessory factors beyond the core chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to identify genes deficient in barley chlorophyll mutants using established genomic and molecular pipelines. The work includes genetic, biochemical, physiological, and cell biological characterization of mutants and associated proteins involved in chloroplast development and photosynthesis. The project integrates approaches in plant molecular genetics, genomics, chloroplast biology, and photosynthesis research, and requires good knowledge of barley genetics and mutant analysis.

Recent work within the project has led to the identification of genes encoding chlorophyll synthase, the ferredoxin FdC2, and the SecA1 transporter protein, demonstrating the potential for discovery of components linking chlorophyll biosynthesis with chloroplast function. The project is conducted within the context of modern barley functional genomics and aims to generate fundamental knowledge of plastid biology with long-term relevance for improving photosynthetic efficiency in crop plants.

Work Duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The work duties include:

• Research within the area of barley chlorophyll mutant characterization including genetic analyses, genomic sequencing, Sanger sequencing, biochemical analysis, and genome editing. The successful candidate will work full time on the above outlined research project. It is expected that the candidate will actively and creatively develop and optimize the project to pursue the overall scientific goals.
• All work will be conducted embedded in a collaborative research team, requiring sharing of expertise, open discussions of results, and participating in experiments led by other team members.
• Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications.
• While not the focus of the position, teaching at bachelor and master's student level is possible.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding with the goal of transitioning to an independent researcher following the completion of this project.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification Requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A PhD in biology with specialization in plant molecular biology or research areas relevant to the project.
• Documented knowledge and expertise in chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development.
• Documented knowledge and experience in barley chlorophyll mutants.
• Documented experience in bioinformatic pipelines, and molecular, genetic, and biochemical analyses of plants.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment Criteria and Other Qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• A proven track record of independence in research with the above duties and qualifications.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, and how the applicant's experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of Employment This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on How to Apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into one PDF-file containing:

• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• List of publications
• A general description of past research and future research interests (maximum 3 pages)
• Contact information of at least two references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered