PRR Project

Summary

The job position consists in carrying out scientific research activities in the scientific domain of Agricultural sciences, scientific area of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries andsub-area of Agronomy, Plant Breeding and Plant Protection, with the aim of developing biotechnological tools based on RNA silencing and/or CRISPR/Cas against important plant pathogens. The candidate will also develop specific diagnostic molecular methods for the detection of plant pathogens. The candidate may, if considered appropriate, be tasked with teaching, autonomously or in partnership, up to a maximum of 4 hours per week, in the curricular units within the area of research.The candidate should present a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile suitable for the activity to be developed, with: PhD in Biology and a relevant CV in the area of Plant Protection and Plant Pathology; Minimum of 8 years of experience as a post-doctoral researcher; Minimum of 20 international publications (articles, books/chapter books) in WoS indexed journals, in the last 8 years, in the area of Plant protection and Plant pathology; Teaching experience with focus on virology; Experience in preparing and managing scientific projects and leadership of projects; Established collaborations with international teams in the area of Plant Pathology; Experience in the applications for European Patents; Capacity to attract competitive financing, as individual grants (CEEC-individual) and as PI of R&D project grants. Experience in the molecular diagnosis of plant pathogens (mainly viruses and fungi); Extensive experience on the development of biotechnological tools for plant protection against pathogenic agents; Extensive experience in molecular biology, particularly in molecular techniques such as RT-PCR, analysis of gene expression by real-time PCR and RNA sequencing through HTS for the identification of emerging pathogenic agents. The candidate also needs to master techniques such as RNAi (silencing), gateway cloning, CRISPR/CAS technology for identification and genetic manipulation, VIGE and VIGS; Experience in bioinformatics and uni and multivariate statistical analysis; Experience as a plant pathologist consultant for Municipalities, private sector and state agencies on optimization and execution of diagnostic tests for phytopathogenic agents. High spoken and written communication skills in Portuguese and English.With this position, IPSantarem will reinforce one of the main areas of the agronomy course of the Agrarian School - Plant Pathology. Interaction with the local farmers community linked to the agri-food sector is a key component for IPSantarem and ESAS mission. IPSantarem has a close connection with the community and regional companies, intensifying this relationship for a training offer adapted to regional needs, as well as promoting opportunities for Research and Technological Development. In this way, IPSantarem is aware of the main issues agricultural producers face, such as the emerging plant diseases in the current climate change scenario. Mitigating the impact of climate change, under a One Health and Food Safety approach is one of the main challenges in modern agriculture to which IPSantarem intends to contribute regionally and worldwide. Plant protection and plant breeding techniques can no longer rely only on conventional breeding which can only tackle this challenge to some extent. IPSantarem recognizes the need to develop solutions based on the latest science to help farmers to tackle climate risks and recognizes the potential of biotechnology and life sciences to respond to societal and agricultural demands and enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture sector while ensuring sustainability.With this position, IPSantarem will be able to do cutting-edge research on the use of New Genomic Techniques, such as gene editing to improve several plant traits, namely resistance to emergent diseases. In addition, the researcher will also be able to give immediate answers to farmers, such as the diagnosis of plant diseases, as well as a consultancy support. The reinforcement of such a research line in IPSantarem will allow students to learn from the research performed. A higher level of incorporation of technology and innovation will benefit ESAS students, from graduation to master degrees since it’s also expected from the candidate the mentoring and supervision of students. This position also fits directly in the new PhD program ‘Agro-food and Environmental Sustainablity’ (submitted) in which IPSantarem participates.With this position it is also expected that IPSantarem increases the ability to attract competitive funding at national and international levels in the coming years.