We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in a consortium project aiming to understand how plant biodiversity could be integrated into our food production systems to develop sustainable and climate-smart farming practices. Specifically, we are addressing questions regarding how above-ground plant diversity links with below-ground microbial diversity, and how these jointly affect plant fitness, resistance and resilience to both biotic and abiotic stress using experimental approaches. The consortium joins expertise in agriculture, plant ecology, soil microbial ecology and climate science. It is an exciting interdisciplinary effort addressing cutting edge scientific questions with direct applicability.
Opportunities for professional development, e.g. in project management, leadership, mentoring, teaching and grant writing, are available and encouraged.
Postdoctoral position requirements:
- The successful applicant should have a doctoral degree in ecology, plant biology, microbial ecology or agricultural sciences (or similar)
- Previous experience working with questions and methods related to plant diversity, ecosystem functioning and ecology of plant associated microbes (mycorrhizae / plant pathogens etc.)
- Statistical knowledge: Expertise in Structural equation model and/or Joint Species distribution models is not necessary considered an advantage
- Previous experience in analysis of microbial community sequence data is not necessary but considered an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to conceive, execute and complete research projects
- Ability to think independently and creatively
- Ability to work in a team and independently
PI for the project is Professor Anna-Liisa Laine. For more information on her research group, please visit https://lainelab.net/
The deadline for submitting the application is 2 December 2022.
For applying see https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki/758364402/