PRR Project

Summary

Job description: 1) We seek a collaborative and innovative scientist and educator who uses genomics tools to explore genetic factors regulating the adaptation of woody species to environmental challenges. 2) The candidate will be leading innovative research projects in functional genomics applied to cork oak, integrating molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches to find key genetic factors acting in the interplay between secondary growth and environmental factors. 3) The candidate is also expected to develop novel biotechnology approaches for the functional characterization of genes and molecular pathways in cork oak and other woody plants of national interest. Research topics may extend to understanding and modifying gene regulatory networks, improving plant resilience, or engineering plants for novel traits with added values. Other relevant responsibilities include: a) Mentoring and supervision of both graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers; b) Coordination and teaching at higher-education programs at the host Institution (MSc and PhD levels) or other training courses; c) Plan, lead and manage research projects in related topics, securing funding; d) Contribute to the scientific community with peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences organization and participation. Scientific profile: 1) PhD in Molecular Biology or related areas; 2) A demonstrated expertise in impactful research at the post-doctoral level leveraging genomics technologies in model and non-model woody plant species, proven through relevant publications; 3) Relevant scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals; 4) Demonstrated ability for funding acquisition as well as coordination and participation in national (as PI and/or co-PI) and international projects; 5) Demonstrated experience in teaching at high-degree education (BSc, MSc and PhD levels), as professor and supervisor; 6) Advanced experience in bioinformatics, including computer programming for data analysis, web development and/or data management (e.g. Python, R, Bash); 7) Experience in data management practices for genomic and phenotypic data, following FAIR principles, and acquaintance with the activities of ELIXIR Europe infrastructure; 8) Proactivity in the coordination of science dissemination, outreach and training events; 9) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for hiring: The candidate will be integrated into the Plant Division of ITQB NOVA, Green-it Bioresources for Sustainability R&D Unit, and LS4Future Associated Laboratory complementing existing strengths and contributing to the respective strategic goals. The hiring of an Assistant Researcher with a specialized focus on woody plant biology is critical to advancing fundamental knowledge of the genetic mechanisms regulating relevant plant traits in the context of climate change. This knowledge is key to harnessing the potential of genetic diversity to shape new resilient and productive forests/orchards, currently threatened by severe drought events and biotic factors. The particular focus on cork oak will build upon the existing expertise and expand the existing research capacity, by exploring novel computational and biotechnology approaches. This expertise is expected to extend to other tree species of national interest. A candidate´s profile, combining strong molecular biology and bioinformatics backgrounds, will be determinant to develop advanced data-mining and biotech tools to speed up fundamental research in challenging plant species. Additionally, the mixed background and strong training skills that we are seeking in a candidate to recruit will be strategic to consolidate the in-house expertise in computational methods applied to plant sciences and foster computational literacy among younger plant scientists enrolled in post-graduate courses at the host research unit, Institute and Associated Laboratory.