PRR Project

Summary

ITQB NOVA is looking for a highly motivated Assistant Researcher with a strong background in plant quantitative genetics applied to plant breeding, and special focus on biotic/abiotic stresses interaction and quality-related traits, proficient in statistical genomic approaches. This position entails leading innovative research to clarify the genetic basis and identify key biomarkers for biotic/abiotic stress resistance and quality interactions, desired by end-users in legume crops. Exciting challenges are expected in the integration of plant multiple layers of biological information to ensure an improved understanding of the complex genetic basis for higher prediction accuracy of target phenotypes. This research should support the development of demand-driven precision breeding tools. The candidate will integrate ongoing projects and bring expertise in statistical genetics and genomics to carry out the following tasks: 1) Design and conduct multi-trait GWAS in legume crops combining phenotypic, genotypic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and biological pathways behind complex traits of agricultural importance.; 2) Study the genotype by environment interaction effects on these complex traits; 3) Develop genotype-to-phenotype models for prediction of target phenotypes ; 4) Develop molecular tools for marker-assisted selection of the complex traits.; 5) Lead and manage research projects, including securing funding, planning and execution.; 6) Mentoring and supervision BSc, MSc and PhD students in the field of plant quantitative genetics. ; 7) Teaching at MSc and PhD levels in subjects under the scope of the developed research.; 8) Active collaboration with interdisciplinary teams within and outside ITQB NOVA and GREEN-IT, and internationally.; 9) Dissemination research outputs through publications in recognized journals, scientific congresses, meetings with farmers and other stakeholders and social media.; 10) Participatory development of pre-breeding materials, with a combination of desirable quality, yield and adaptation to a changing environment, appealing to farmers/processors/consumers. Scientific profile required: 1) PhD in Plant Sciences or related areas.; 2) More than three years of post-doctoral research experience.; 3) Proven experience in plant quantitative genetics, GWAS, gene expression analysis, and biotic/abiotic stress (individual and combined) resistance phenotyping in legume crops (growth chamber and field conditions).; 4) Strong publication record, with a minimum number of 15 publications in international peer-review journals, including at least 8 as first author and 5 as corresponding author.; 5) Co-coordination and participation in national and international competitively funded projects.; 6) National and international network of collaborations.; 7) Contribution to the scientific community through article revision and scientific meeting organizations.; 8) Experience in mentoring and supervision of students (PhD, MSc, BSc and others). 9) Excellent communication and organizational skills.; 10) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for the need to hire: The clarification of the genetic regulation of complex traits with interest in agricultural production has been highlighted by the GREEN-IT advisory board as a very relevant area in which the research unit should invest and expand research capacity. Hiring an Assistant Researcher in plant quantitative genetics and statistical genomics is crucial for the reinforcement of this scientific area at GREEN-IT and national level. The host Laboratory is one of the few, if not the only in Portugal, where the national legume natural genetic diversity is being exploited to understand the genetic basis of important complex agricultural traits, developing precision breeding tools. The requested unique combination of skills in GWAS, gene expression analysis, and biotic/abiotic stresses interactions will enable breakthrough advances in the integration of plant multiple layers of biological information, assuring an improved understanding of complex genetic architectures, and higher prediction accuracy of target phenotypes for innovative breeding. This will elevate ITQB NOVA and its Plant Sciences Department visibility in the plant breeding sector. Also, a candidate with the requested profile will play a pivotal role in sustaining and enlarging synergies among ITQB NOVA laboratories, research units, e.g. GREEN-IT (Genetics and Genomics of Plant Complex Traits Lab and Plant Ecophysiology and Metabolism Lab) or INOVA4Health (Health Function of Natural Bioactive Molecules Lab) and associated InnovPlantProtec CoLab, promoting a multidisciplinary research. Finally, the Assistant Researcher will be essential to support the host Lab and ITQB NOVA in grant applications, students’ supervision, teaching at the MSc and PhD Plant Sciences programs and outreaching activities.