Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Plant Breeding We are looking for a person who wants to be part of a team that contributes to cereal breeding advancement for improved nutritional value. About the position The nutritional value of food products is becoming increasingly important and depends on the content and composition of nutritionally significant components in the crops used to produce these items. The postdoctoral researcher will screen cereals, particularly wheat and pearl millet, for their nutritional content and composition, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and non-health-promoting components (ATIs and FODMAPs). The phenotypic data obtained will be aligned with genotypic data (Genotyping-by-Sequencing) to identify genes associated with these traits. Marker development (e.g., KASP markers) will follow, enabling targeted plant breeding efforts focused on these nutritional traits. Initially, the pos-tdoc will contribute to several ongoing projects, gaining experience and knowledge in the field. Over time, the post-doc is expected to develop and submit independent grant applications. The post-doc will collaborate closely with researchers and plant breeders involved in current and future projects in related areas, contributing to cereal breeding advancement for improved nutritional value. Your profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in agriculture, biology, plant breeding, or a related field, preferably with a strong focus on quantitative genetics.  We want you to have a solid understanding of multidisciplinary tasks related to plant breeding and some experience collaborating with plant breeders and growers. The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in team settings, is essential. Strong communication skills, including proficiency in written and spoken English, are also required. Experience teaching, supervising BSc and MSc students, and leading projects will be considered additional merits. In addition, good knowledge and practical skills in genetic data analysis and cereal quality assessment are highly desirable. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are particularly interested in candidates who have earned their doctoral degrees within the past three years.  About us The Department of Plant Breeding works with research, education, and innovation of strategic importance for society's long-term supply of food, industrial raw materials, and energy to meet an increasing need for raw materials and at the same time make plant production increasingly environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. We are a workplace that is growing in size and has a large international breadth among our employees. Together, we are involved in developing the crops of the future together with growers and industry, and thereby contribute to what is in consumer demand. The department consists of three departments, plant breeding, biotechnology and plant product quality. For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-breeding/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Alnarp Form of employment: Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Scope: 100% Start date: February 1st, 2025 or as agreed.  Application: Please submit your application before deadline 12 December 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/   The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.