A postdoctoral position in plant molecular biology and genetics is available at Prof. Markus Schmid's group at the Swedish University of Agriculture (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Schmid lab focuses on the regulation of RNA splicing and how it contributes to temperature acclimation in plants. The project will employ a high-throughput screening method developed in the Schmid lab (Collani et al., submitted; patent pending) to define the protein-protein interaction network of Arabidopsis thaliana RNA splicing proteins and its connection with other cellular machineries, determine the effect of temperature on the splicing capacity of plant cells, and study factors that modulate splicing in response to temperature. We anticipate that our study will provide valuable insights into the role of RNA splicing in temperature acclimation and generate new tools to use RNA splicing for the improvement of plant resistance to temperature changes. Results from this project will contribute to mitigating the plants' reactions to environmental changes and thus to establishing sustainable agriculture.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in molecular biology, molecular genetics, functional genomics, cell biology, or related subjects deemed equivalent by the employer. The applicant should have a strong background in plant molecular biology and a competitive track record of previous scientific output as a first author. Applicants must have solid experience in standard molecular biological methods and plant genetics. Previous experience in the analysis of protein-protein interactions is expected. Previous experience in the analysis of RNA splicing, genomic methods, or temperature responses in plants is an additional merit. The postdoc is expected to be a team player and enthusiastically drive a research project with strong initiative, creativity, and independent thinking. Excellent communication skills in both oral and written scientific English are expected. Since postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, priority will be given to candidates who have a doctoral degree not older than three years.