The position offered is for a Technician in the project «Enhancing plant nutrition via host genetic modulation of the rhizosphere microbiota», to be carried out at IRNASA-CSIC (C. Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008 Salamanca, Spain). This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) under a fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension for an additional 36 months, and a starting date scheduled for October 2025. The annual salary ranges from €22,000 to €28,000, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Carmen Escudero Martinez. Required technical skills include general molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and sequencing library preparation, as well as experience in sampling and handling soil and root material, performing soil enzymatic assays, and working with microbial cultures. Key publications providing context for the project are available 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?

In this role, you will work collaboratively with other lab members assisting with looking after experiments, plant growth and harvesting the experiments. You will also work with general molecular biology techniques, such as genotyping, PCR, qPCR, metagenomic library preparation. Microbiology techniques for isolation and conservation of microbes and plant inoculation experiments. Your contributions to the lab will help to understand the plant genetic control over the microbiota and how we can harness it to make plants more resilient and less dependent in synthetic inputs into the soil.

Responsibilities include:

• Experiment preparation
• Sample harvesting
• Sequencing library preparation
• Assist with molecular phenotyping
• Operate scientific instrumentation. Assist with laboratory equipment maintenance.
• Collect, record, organise and verify the accuracy of data. May use specialised software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical data
• Present data in lab meetings
• Actively contribute to laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• May participate in performing inventories of materials and ordering supplies.

Selection criteria

Essential

• Bachelor’s in Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences or related disciplines
• Two years of related research experience as a research assistant or Master of Science training
• Able to maintain and harvest experiments
• Knowledge of laboratory protocols and techniques.
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques
• Ability to take initiative, prioritise tasks, work independently, use good judgment, and monitor completion of assigned duties.
• Interpersonal communication skills and enthusiasm
• Team player

Desirable

• Experience with soil and roots will be a plus
• Experience in Microbiology will be a plus
• Experience working with enzymatic soil assays will be a plus
• Programming language R will be a plus

The position consists of a combination of wet lab work and glasshouse work. Please feel confident to apply even if you do not meet all the criteria—training will be provided. I am seeking an enthusiastic 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 with the names and contacts of three references. 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 dependants). 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 p.m. on the closing date stated in the online advertisement.

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. 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.