postdoctoral associate

The Institute for Plant Ecology and Evolution at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of Heinrich Heine University (HHU) Duesseldorf, Germany, invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Associate (w/m/d) (100 %, EG 13 TV-L, for 2 years - may be extended up to 3 years): Rapid Evolution to Changing Environments in Brassicaceae: Bridging Ecology and Genetics To be filled as soon as possible

Our research focuses on the responses of plant populations to climate change and attempts at disentangling the relative contributions of adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and range shifts. We also aim to identify the drivers of rapid contemporary evolution and uncover the genetic basis of climate change adaptation. To examine these themes, we combine traditional field- and greenhouse-based studies, as well as the resurrection approach, with quantitative genetics and ecological genomics. Our lab is integrated in the research initiative TRR 341 on Plant Ecological Genetics.

Ihre Aufgaben

• Use the resurrection approach to study rapid evolution in Californian Brassica rapa populations in response to drought
• Conduct common garden experiments in the greenhouse and/or field to score phenotypic differences between Brassica rapa populations under different experimental conditions (i.e., water and nutrient limitations)
• Conduct and support fieldwork for in situ sampling and scoring of local Brassicaceae species and populations to identify inter- and intraspecific trait and genetic variation underlying ecological diversification and local adaptation
• Apply statistical and computational tools for the analysis of trait, environmental, and next-generation sequencing data
• Present research results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Supervise and mentor students in the lab, coordinate and supervise student crews during experiments and fieldwork season

Ihr Profil

• PhD in the field of plant biology, ecology, botany, evolutionary or population genetics, quantitative biology or related
• Experience designing and conducting large multi-factorial plant experiments (i.e., common gardens, reciprocal transplants, etc.)
• Experience in the use of statistical methods to analyze quantitative datasets and programming languages (e.g., R, Java, Python)
• Experience with population genetics, NGS data, SNP calling, genome annotation, standard molecular techniques is desired
• The languages spoken in the group are English and German - demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English is essential (written and spoken) and German is preferred
• Lawful permitted to work in the EU (i.e., Schengen residence/work permit)

Wir bieten Ihnen

• A unique, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research network in the field of Plant Ecological Genetics (TRR 341) that bundles the expertise of excellent scientists from seven different research institutions
• A comprehensive training program with targeted scientific education in the field of Plant Ecological Genetics as well as complementary training supporting your personal and career development (GEcoGen, iGRAD , JUNO, HeRA)
• Family-friendly and multicultural working environment

Kontakt

Qualified candidates should send their application (Cover letter including statement of interest - max. 2 pages, CV including publication list, contact info of 3 references, and diplomas) by e-mail (one single pdf-file) to elena.hamann@hhu.de. Application deadline: applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

If you have further questions on the project or position, please contact Prof. Elena Hamann - and see lab website https://www.biologie.hhu.de/institute-und-abteilungen/institute-hhu/pflanzenoekologie.