Postdoc position (2 years) in plant molecular biology and genetics - ,

Umeå Plant Science Center (UPSC) is one of Europe's strongest research environments for plant research (https://www.upsc.se). Our common goal is to understand the adaptability and acclimation of plants to a changing environment. We are now looking for a postdoc.

The Department of Plant Physiology (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-plant-physiology), which is one of the parties in UPSC, is seeking a postdoc to study the role of the plant-specific transcription factor LEAFY (LFY) in flower development.

The employment is full-time for 2 years starting November 2, 2020 or by agreement.

Project description and tasks

Flowering plants display a stunning diversity in inflorescence architecture and flower morphology. The LEAFY (LFY) gene encodes a plant specific transcription factor that is expressed in the emerging flower primordia and whose activity is required for the formation of all floral organs. The project will investigate how co-regulators such as ubiquitin ligases UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) and BLADE ON PETIOLE (BOP) modulates the activity of LFY in subdomains of the emerging flower. We will test whether UFO and BOPs can associate with DNA, and whether this interaction is influenced by or influences the activity of LFY. More specifically, we will perform ChIP-seq and RNA-seq for UFO and BOP reporter lines in both A. thaliana wildtype and lfy mutant background. These experiments will help to i) identify UFO and BOP target genes, ii) evaluate whether LFY is required for UFO and BOP DNA binding, and iii) study their effect on gene expression. In summary, the project will help to clarify how the spatially restricted activity of cofactors helps to modulate the activity of the floral master regulator LFY in emerging flower primordia.

Qualifications

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in biology, with a specialization in plant development and/or genetics qualifies for employment as a postdoctoral fellow. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.

Experience in molecular biology techniques, plant genetics, etc. is a prerequisite, as is experience in plant developmental biology, in particular the regulation of flowering time and flower development in the plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required, as is good social ability and ability to think creatively, collaborate in groups and take own initiatives.

Previous experience in genomic methods and high-throughput data analysis are of advantage.

Application

The application should contain:

• Personal letter including an account of research interest and description of research experience
• CV with full publication list, including a link to your PhD thesis
• Copies of PhD certificate and other relevant diplomas
• Contact information for two reference persons familiar with your qualifications
• Other documents wished to be claimed

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is September 15, 2020.

Fore more information about the position contact Prof. Markus Schmid, markus.schmid@umu.se