In the Unit of Provenance research and Breeding at the Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture and Genetics of the Austrian Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Vienna.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Post-Graduate research associate in the field of plant physiology to join our growing team of scientists and practitioners. This is a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with a dynamic team engaged in the molecular breeding of forest tree species. Our group specialized in genetics and molecular defense responses, is greatly interested in the physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress. Our unit currently lacks a specialist who would expand our scientific knowledge in this area.
Your responsibilities:
The research associate will work within a new project analyzing the role of terpenoids (plant secondary metabolites) on drought stress in Norway spruce (Picea abies). The job profile includes the organization and collection of Norway spruce seeds across Europe (especially at the warmest fringe of the natural range), the design and implementation of phytotron experiments, the analysis of physiological traits using advanced multi-sensor and multi-approach high-throughput plant phenotyping platform in Austria (PHENOPlant), scientific data analysis and publication, as well as project management tasks.
Your profile:
- M.Sc. degree in Plant physiology and biochemistry, especially on plant drought stress metabolism and physiology. One scientific publication in plant physiology or this specific area will be greatly appreciated
- Experience in plant phenotyping, physiological and biochemical trait measurements
- Experience in growing and managing plants from the seed to the seedling stage
- Basic Knowledge on genetics, transcriptomics and metabolomics
- Experience with basic research principles and methods, data acquisition, and publishing.
- Scientific writing skills & strong written and verbal communication skills
- High level of self-organization and willingness to work in a team
- Willingness to travel in Austria and abroad for sampling, data collection, data analysis and scientific discussions
- Knowledge of Statistics and R for data analysis. Other programing languages are also welcome (e.g. Python)
- Knowledge of setting-up experimental designs
- Experience in literature research and analysis & experience with large data sets
Others: This is a 40 hour, 3-years term position beginning 1st of October or until the position is filled. The gross monthly salary is at least EUR EUR 2.820,40 based on salary scale for federal employees in evaluation group v1.
If we have raised your interest, please send your application including a cover letter detailing your motivation, your CV and contact information for three references, and one recommendation letter by September 15th, 2021 to the Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape, 1130 Vienna, Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg 8 via e-mail to: marcela.vanloo@bfw.gv.at.
Link to the job application webpage:
https://www.bfw.gv.at/wp-content/uploads/BFW_08_WaldFIT-PostgraduateAss_2021.pdf
