Postdoc (m, f, d) position: Promotion of maize growth by arbuscular mycorrhiza

The position is available immediately. The Postdoc will investigate root growth, in a European maize diversity panel in response to fungal signals and drought stress. Furthermore, plant growth in response to arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) in a double haploid line population will be investigated in a LemnaTec Platform with the aim to identify quantitative trait loci that determine the amplitude of the growth and root growth response. AM is a symbiosis between plant roots and fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota, which is based on the exchange of nutrients: The fungus receives organic carbon from its host and in turn provides mineral nutrients and especially phosphate to the plant. The symbiosis has also been associated with enhanced plant resistance against abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity or temperature extremes. Due to resulting benefits for plant growth the symbiosis is of great interest to application in sustainable agriculture. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the chair of Plant Breeding of Chris Carolin Schön at the Technical University of Munich and the department of Thomas Altmann at the IPK Gatersleben. It is embedded into a Bavarian research consortium “BayKlimaFit 2.0” (https://www.bayklimafit.de/startseite ) that investigates the genetic and physiological basis of stress resistance in plants to provide information for breeding of crops that resist abiotic stress resulting from climate change.

For background reading please consult:
Berger F, Gutjahr C (2021) Factors affecting plant responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhiza. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 59:101994.

We offer

• 100% TVL E13 for up to 2.5 years
• A stimulating and international working environment
• Support in career development

We expect

• Doctoral degree in a field related to plant biology, agriculture or horticulture
• Solid knowledge in statistics and data analysis programs (such as R)
• Experience in working with maize or other cereals is an advantage
• Intellectual independence and experimental accuracy
• Good organizational skills and ability to plan and conduct research independently
• ‘Can do attitude’ and a strong drive to complete the project successfully
• Good writing and communication skills in English
  ApplicationPlease send your application including your CV, your list of publications, the names of two referees and a motivation letter stating why you are interested in the topic and why you would be the right candidate to make progress in the field by email to: [email protected] Please add ‘BayKlimaFit Postdoc’ to your email subject.