Postdoctoral position (2 years) in conifer genomics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, invites applicants for a postdoctoral position in genomics of climate adaptation and pathogen resistance of conifer trees. The position is full time for two years starting 1st of February 2022 or by agreement. Application deadline is 31st of December 2021.

Project description

Climate change is expected to have a strong impact on the boreal forest ecosystem, both directly through extreme weather conditions and indirectly through changes in species composition and pests and pathogen prevalence. This project explores a time series of observations on fungal pathogen infection in Scots pine populations and progeny testing trials to understand the quantitative genetic basis of resistance, and model population responses under different climate scenarios. The database of genotyped trees and their corresponding phenotypes will be a valuable tool for improving the efficiency of resistance breeding in Scots pine. The project is a collaboration between Umeå University and the Forestry Research Institute of Sweden (Skogforsk).

The postdoc will contribute to the design of individual studies, carry out genotyping assays, collect and analyze phenotypic and genetic data, and disseminate the results. The postdoc will have opportunities to develop own research interests and network, and contribute to other ongoing projects in the research team.

Qualifications

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate 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. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

Candidates must hold a PhD in evolutionary genetics, or a related field, at the time of recruitment. They should be highly motivated, possess good communication skills, good work ethics, and be able to collaborate in a team. It is particularly useful if the candidate has experience in conifer genome mapping and large-scale genetic data analyses using high performance computer clusters. Experience in population genetics of conifer trees and statistical programming (e.g. Linux, R, Python) is desired.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system. Log on to the system and apply via the web page link. Documents sent electronically should be in either Word or PDF format. The application should contain the following written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

A cover letter describing your research interests and motivation.
A CV detailing your education and previous research experience.
A list of your publications (submitted manuscripts can be included; specify your contribution to each work)
Names and contact details of three references who can be contacted by telephone or e-mail.
 

For more information, contact Xiao-Ru Wang (xiao-ru.wang@umu.se), David Hall (david.hall@umu.se), Per Stenberg (per.stenberg@umu.se).

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/) carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 160 employees, about 20 of whom are post docs.