Postdoctoral position (2 years) in genetics of clonal growth in plants - ,

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a postdoctoral position focused on resolving underlying genetics of clonal growth in European aspen. The employment is on full-time and will begin early 2020 or according to agreement. Last day of application is December 2, 2019.

Project description and working tasks
European aspen, Populus tremula, exhibits strong sprouting from roots and often occurs in nature as a group of trees that share the same genotype. This project focuses on describing the variation in European aspen for root suckering and identifying the genetic basis of it by genome wide association mapping (GWAS). The postdoc will participate in phenotyping as well as conducting the analysis of the data. The postdoc will also have the freedom to contribute to other ongoing projects and to develop genome sequence analysis projects, as the genomic sequences of hundreds of aspen trees are available.

Qualifications
The successful candidates should have a PhD degree in genetics, plant physiology, bioinformatics or a related field. The doctoral degree must have been completed no more than three years before the end of the application period, unless special reasons apply. We are searching for motivated candidates with previous experience in genomic methods and high-throughput data analysis. Good command of English (both written and spoken) is an essential qualification. The successful candidate is expected to have good social skills, the ability to work independently, as well as in a team. Experiences in plant physiology, population genetics or statistics are meritorious.

Application
A full application should contain:

• A cover letter describing your qualifications and suitability, research interests and motivation for application (max. 2 pages).
• CV with full publication list
• Copy of your doctoral thesis
• Copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates
• Names and contact details (email and phone) of two reference persons
• Any other documents you wish to refer to

The application, written in English (preferably) or Swedish, is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. The closing date is December 2, 2019.

Contact
For more information about the position, contact Dr. Johanna Leppälä, email: johanna.leppala@umu.se. For more information about our research, please visit: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/evolutionary-biology/

We offer
Besides a great project and colleagues,

• A supportive workplace with great employee benefits;
  https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/

• An international staff support that can help you relocate;
  https://www.aurora.umu.se/en/new-staff/international-staff-support/

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (www.emg.umu.se) carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees, about 20 of whom are postdocs.