PRR Project

Summary

The viticultural sector in Portugal, ranked tenth globally, holds significant economic and societal importance. However, it faces imminent threats from climate change, resources and labor shortages. Scientific research in vineyard ecophysiology is vital for addressing these challenges and offer essential insights into adaptive strategies for vineyards to ensure the sustainability and resilience of grape production.The researcher will develop strategies for climate change adaptation by integrating plant material, environmental conditions and plant management. The main goal is to identify novel traits that can enhance grapevine resilience toward abiotic stresses while reducing agricultural inputs.Four main tasks will be considered:1. Phenotyping varieties at field and under controlled conditions to understand their plasticity under drought conditions and their abilities for recovery. The physiological and molecular of grapevine ‘drought memory’ will be considered. Physiological assessment will include (but not limited to) plant transpiration, gas exchange, hydraulic conductance, etc. An objective and time saving phenotyping method will be developed using Infra-red and hyperspectral imaging to screen canopy and bunches in the field and leaves and single berries in the laboratory.2. Understanding of plant water flow, leaf and bunch hydraulic conductance, cuticle transpiration, at different phenological stages. Different sensors will be also installed in the field to a full monitoring of the plant water relations. The involvement of water channels (aquaporins) and other transporters will be also assessed.3. Monitor leaf and berry primary and secondary metabolome over the growing season, to fully catalogue metabolites related to varietal plasticity under abiotic stress.4. Identify putative drought/heat stress associated genes: As a first approach, RNA-seq will be performed using leaves of two selected contrasting varieties (based on results of Task 1 and 2).Scientific profile for this position:1. PhD in agronomy or plant biology, with solid background in Grapevine Molecular Ecophysiology, with experience in Climate Change and its effects on grapevine performance and adaptation.2. Demonstrated research skills: Extensive expertise in project management, with a robust background in employing ecophysiological and micrometeorological techniques in the field, as well as proficiency in laboratory methodologies. Proficient in designing sound and rigorous research methodologies. Strong analytical skills to derive meaningful insights from research findings and competence in using statistical tools and software for data analysis. Substantial track record of scientific contributions published in indexed journals, as well as books or book chapters. Proven experience in successfully supervising master´s and/or doctoral students.3. Interdisciplinary Integration: Ability to integrate knowledge from various disciplines into cohesive research projects. Experience in collaborating across interdisciplinary teams for holistic research outcomes.4. Well-Developed Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Aptitude for managing tasks efficiently within time constraints.5. Excellent Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to work in complex projects. Attention to detail in all aspects of work, ensuring precision and accuracy. Proficiency in articulating concepts clearly and persuasively.Rationale for INIAV hiring:INIAV/Polo de Inovação de Dois Portos (PIDP) is renowned for its tradition and expertise in vineyard ecophysiology, with a focus on water use and climate change adaptation. PIDP faces challenges due to the advanced age of senior researchers and the absence of younger individuals with PhD qualifications in the teams. The limited number of permanent researchers specializing in grapevine ecophysiology, with only one senior permanent researcher, underscores the necessity to bolster and consolidate the team with additional permanent researchers in this specialized field.The researcher to hire is expected to (i) improve the grapevine phenotyping, using several cutting-edge technologies to identify leaf, root and berry traits that explain drought/heat tolerance and improve water-use efficiency in grape cultivars. These traits will be also tested for their ability to improve vine resilience, and berry quality under stress, and to generate both the phenotyping methods and biological insights needed to develop molecular tools to rapidly improve cultivar drought tolerance. (ii) develop a research program able to attract competitive external grant funding while developing national and international research collaborations. (iii) be involved in the transfer of knowledge and technologies to viticulturists and participate in dissemination activities related with the research line and is expected to create synergies with other research lines at INIAV.