Last Date: 30.1.2024.
The University of Helsinki Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme and the research groups of Prof. Jaakko Kangasjärvi, Dr. Maija Sierla and Dr. Cezary Waszczak are seeking to hire two highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to study Arabidopsis thaliana guard cell signalling.
Project descriptions
The projects aim at molecular-level understanding of guard cell signalling and stomatal function in response to environmental stimuli. We also address connections between stomatal and vascular function. We use forward- and reverse-genetics, interactomics, and phosphoproteomics approaches coupled with plant physiology, molecular and cell biology and biochemistry to identify new components in guard cell signalling networks and further characterize the components we have previously identified.
Project 1: We have recently conducted a forward genetic screen aiming at saturation of Arabidopsis thaliana guard cell signalling network. Through an ozone-sensitivity approach combined with whole-rosette gas exchange analysis we identified over 50 novel mutants impaired in stomatal closure (Sierla et al., 2018; Takahashi et al., 2022; Waszczak et al., 2023). One of the successful candidates will be involved in mapping and functional characterization of the newly identified mutants. This project will be performed in close collaboration between research groups of Prof. Kangasjärvi, Dr Maija Sierla and Dr Cezary Waszczak.
Project 2: We are using interactomics (Co-IP and TurboID) and phosphoproteomics approaches, and suppressor mutant screens with known stomatal regulators to further characterize the guard cell signalling pathways regulating stomatal movements in response to both abiotic and biotic stimuli. We also investigate the coordination of stomatal and vascular function. Our main focus is on the receptor-like pseudokinase GHR1 (Sierla et al., 2018; Hõrak et al., 2016) and its novel interactors. One of the successful candidates will lead some of these research lines based on their expertise and interest in the group of Dr Maija Sierla.
The candidates will be integrated into an international research team of experts in plant stress biology and environmental signalling and participate in extensive collaborations, including mobility exchanges within Europe.
Qualifications:
- doctoral degree in molecular or cell biology, plant biology, biochemistry or other relevant field
- experience in plant physiology, molecular plant sciences and/or biochemistry (proteomics, interactomics, phosphoproteomics, kinase assays)
- ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects
- creativity and independent thinking
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
Research Environment
The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.
The projects are funded by the Research Council of Finland Centre of Excellence in Tree Biology that brings together ten PIs from the University of Helsinki (UH) and two from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), who together with a large network of international collaborators form a multidisciplinary team of experts in plant genetics, physiology and computational modelling. The Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme operates at the University of Helsinki Viikki Biocenter which is the largest hub for molecular plant biology in Finland. The Viikki Biocenter has exceptional research facilities, including state-of-the-art core facilities such as plant growth chambers, greenhouses, and a high-throughput plant phenotyping facility.
Employment Conditions
- the earliest starting date is 1st of March 2024
- fixed-term contract (6 months trial period) of 2-3 years with a possibility for extension
- starting salary ca. 3300 – 3800 EUR/month depending on the qualifications and experience
- occupational healthcare
How to apply
The application should include the following attachments as a single pdf-file (in English):
- a cover letter describing shortly your background and motivation to apply to this position (max. 2 pages). In the cover letter specify which position you are most interested in.
- CV including a list of publications (if any) with a brief summary explaining your own contributions
- Names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request
Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the apply link. The deadline for submitting the application is 30th of January 2024. The call may close earlier if suitable candidates are found.
For more information please contact Jaakko Kangasjärvi ([email protected]), Maija Sierla ([email protected]) or Cezary Waszczak ([email protected]). For more information on the research groups please visit our websites:
