Postdoctoral scholarship, 2 years, in Biophysics/Synthetic Biology with a Focus on Plant Cell Wall Dynamics
Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of the strongest research environments for basic plant research in Europe. Research at UPSC covers a wide range of disciplines in plant biology including ecology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). The postdoctoral scholarship is going to be placed at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre.
Our common goal is to understand the ability of plants to adapt and acclimate to a changing world. We are offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project “Novel Methodologies for Studying Plant Cell Wall Mechanics and Composition” in Laura Bacete’s research group.
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation (KAW) funds this two-year postdoctoral scholarship. The scholarship amounts to 336 000 SEK per year. The scholarship is not subject to tax. The PI covers running costs for the project.
The scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years with starting date Spring 2024 or as agreed.
Project description
The plant cell wall, made of carbohydrates and proteins, is essential for growth, defence, and environmental adaptation. Furthermore, it transforms atmospheric CO2 into useful materials, playing a crucial role in a sustainable bioeconomy. In the Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Lab, our focus is on the cell wall integrity monitoring system, which oversees the wall's structural and chemical balance and responses to changes. The current challenge to study this system is the limited understanding of this system's cues, largely due to existing methods' inadequate resolution and the tendency to study isolated signals and not the system as a whole.
We are in search of a visionary candidate whose skill set aligns with our laboratory's goal to revolutionize the study of cell wall integrity. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in biophysics, especially those skilled in advanced spectroscopy/ microscopy techniques like Brillouin and Raman, as well as those versed in synthetic biology or optogenetics. The ideal candidate will be eager to apply their specialized skills to investigate plant cell wall dynamics, with or without prior experience in plant biology. We value innovative perspectives and methodologies that can enrich this multidisciplinary project.
The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to explore new horizons in plant biology with the freedom to shape their research direction and the support to grow as an independent researcher. Our young and dynamic team is led by Assistant Professor Laura Bacete, at the Umeå Plant Science Centre, a highly international and scientifically competent department located in Umeå, Sweden.
The ideal start date is in the spring of 2024. The appointed researcher will receive full support from the PI to write and apply for their own projects and postdoctoral grants, if desired, and will follow an individual development plan crafted together with the PI.
Qualifications
To qualify as a post-doctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Successful candidates will have a PhD degree, or equivalent, in Biophysics, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Physics, or a related field obtained less than three years ago unless one or several of the special reasons described above apply. Very good written and oral English language skills are essential.
While the project is grounded in plant biology, we recognize that innovative solutions often come from diverse and unconventional backgrounds. Therefore, we are seeking a researcher who may not necessarily have a background in plant biology but possesses a unique set of skills and experiences that can enrich our project. The ideal candidate will have expertise in one of the following areas (at least):
Physics or Biophysics, with a strong focus on Optics, especially in the assembly and application of Brillouin microscopy, Raman microscopy, or similar.
Synthetic biology.
Optogenetics.
Mechanobiology.
Chemical engineering or materials science.
Protein chemistry.
Merits
We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all these from the beginning, but they should be eager to learn the required techniques.
Familiarity with microscopy techniques, especially confocal microscopy, and other advanced techniques.
Experience in standard molecular biological techniques.
Experience working with cell walls from plants or other organisms.
Knowledge of plant biochemistry.
Experience with different model plants including Arabidopsis thaliana.
Skills in computational biology, biological modelling and/or biostatistics.
Skill in microfabrication techniques (microfluidic devices or other microfabrication technologies).
Involvement in science communication and outreach activities.
On a personal level, the postdoctoral scholar is expected to have the ability to function well both independently as well as in a team. Other personal skills that are appreciated are:
Organized and structured.
Reliable.
Proactive.
Self-motivated.
Willing to share their knowledge with trainees and junior members of the team.
Application
A good lab environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity, or cultural background. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application should contain:
Cover Letter (1 page): Provide a concise letter detailing your qualifications and why you are interested in this opportunity. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project's objectives.
Curriculum Vitae with Full Publication List: Your CV should comprehensively list your educational background, professional experiences, and a detailed publication list. Emphasize key publications and any notable achievements in your academic career.
Research Statement (1 page): Describe your research interests, focusing on alignment with the project's themes. This statement should give a clear picture of your research approach and objectives.
Comprehensive Overview of Research Contributions: This should be a narrative CV based on the ”Resumé for Researchers” by the Royal Society, encompassing the following four modules (maximum 1000 words/2 pages for the four modules, but it can be shorter): a. Knowledge Generation Contributions: Outline how you've contributed to new ideas, research communication, and significant achievements in your field. b. Development of Individuals: Highlight your role in mentoring, teaching, and collaborative work, emphasizing your impact on team success and individual development. c. Contributions to the Wider Research Community: Describe your involvement in activities beyond your own research, such as editorial work, committee participation, and efforts to enhance research culture and integrity. d. Broader Societal Impact: Explain your engagement in activities that extend the impact of your research to society, industry, and policy-making, including public engagement and knowledge exchange.
Educational Certificates: Include a copy of your doctoral degree, as well as any other relevant academic qualifications.
Additional Relevant Documents: Any other documents you wish to include that you feel are relevant to your application.
All the documents must be present in the application, even if they are brief. Incomplete applications will be discarded.
Contact information to two professional referees, who can attest to your abilities and qualifications, should be provided during a possible interview.
Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number FS 2.1.6-695-24, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se. Application deadline is 30 April 2024.
