Postdoctoral Research Assistant position: Enhancing plant nutrition via host genetic modulation of the rhizosphere microbiota

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The available position is for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the project titled «Enhancing plant nutrition via host genetic modulation of the rhizosphere microbiota» at IRNASA-CSIC. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), offered under a fixed-term contract of 24 months, with an anticipated start date in October 2025. The annual salary ranges between €32,000 and €35,000, depending on the candidate’s experience. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Carmen Escudero Martinez. Applicants are expected to have experience in general molecular biology, omics technologies, sequencing, metabarcoding, bioinformatics, and multivariate statistical analysis. Relevant publications related to the research focus include articles in Nature Communications (2022) and Annual Review of Phytopathology (2022).

Deadline application: 30th of June 2025 17:00 h CET.

Overview of the project

Identifying and selecting novel crops capable of thriving under growth-limiting nutrient conditions is gaining centre stage in fundamental science and its transfer to agriculture. Microbial communities populating the root-soil interface, collectively referred to as the rhizosphere microbiota, can expand crops’ genetic and metabolic capabilities by enhancing the plant’s nutrient uptake. This microbiota is not randomly assembled but the result of selective processes mediated by both environmental conditions and the host plant genome. Thus, selecting novel crop traits that shape microbial communities could enhance plant nutrition in resource-limiting environments. However, there is still limited understanding of the genetic associations between the microbiota and their host plants.

This project aims to elucidate how crop genetic diversity modulates the microbiota associated with nutrient dynamics at the rhizosphere by answering the following questions: 1) How does barley genetic variation shape nutrient-related microbial functions in the rhizosphere? We will use different complementary methods to assess microbial functions linked to microbial activity in the rhizosphere across environments 2) What multi-kingdom microbial communities inhabiting the barley rhizosphere have functions enhancing plant nutrition? and 3) How can root traits be used as predictive tools for nutrient-related microbial functions?

To tackle these objectives, you will follow a ground-breaking, comprehensive multi-omics approach by integrating plant genetics, microbial metagenomics, plant transcriptomics, and metabolomics. The anticipated outputs of this research will impact both fundamental and applied research, setting the stage for the deployment of specific plant traits that enhance microbial functions and overall plant performance in resource-limited environments.

Responsibilities include:

  • Experimental design
  • Sample harvesting
  • Sequencing library construction
  • Quantitative genetics analyses
  • Manage metabarcoding bioinformatics pipelines
  • Microbiota diversity and modelling analyses
  • Work with other team members and other colleagues across the Institute.
  • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small-scale project management to coordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
  • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
  • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
  • Development of new ideas.

Selection criteria

Essential

  • Has a PhD or equivalent in a relevant area: genetics and/or microbiome
  • Strong track record in writing and publishing scientific manuscripts
  • Able to plan and manage large experiments
  • Interpersonal communication skills and enthusiasm
  • Experience in multivariate microbiome analyses
  • Experience with quantitative genetics analyses
  • Work independently
  • Team player
  • Potential travel abroad for 6 months as a visiting researcher

Desirable

  • Experience with bioinformatics omics data analyses
  • Experience in quantitative genetics
  • Experience working with root and rhizosphere microenvironments

The position consists of a combination of wet lab work and statistical/bioinformatics analyses. Please apply even if you do not meet all the criteria—training will be provided. I am looking for an enthusiastic and independent individual with a passion for learning and a willingness to take on challenges.

About IRNASA

The Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA) is part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). We carry out multidisciplinary research in different fields related to agricultural crops and their products, environmental conservation and animal health.

Our goal is to integrate biology, pathology, soil chemistry and ecology to provide knowledge and scientific solutions for improving management of agricultural systems in semi-arid areas. By generating new knowledge, we aim to contribute to maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity in an environmentally friendly way, with economic and social benefits.

We seek to advance sustainability, food security and global health, to help formulate new policies and practices based on innovative molecular, ecological and environmental science, and to effectively transfer science into practice. To this end, we maintain collaborations with other national and international institutions as well as public and private organisations, that help us to achieve this goal for the benefit of our society.

How to apply

Please, send your CV and a supporting statement in English explaining 1) your research interests, 2) how you meet the selection criteria, 3) the names and contacts of three references to c.m.z.escuderomartinez@dundee.ac.uk. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependents). Maximum length of 3 pages. Your application will be judged solely based on how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description.

Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename.

All applications must be received by 17:00 h CET on the 30th of June 2025.

For further information and inquiries, contact Dr. Carmen Escudero-Martinez at c.m.z.escuderomartinez@dundee.es

Equality of Opportunity

Employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the duties of each particular post. In all cases, the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.