PostDoc Foliar Systemic Messengers for Microbiome and Root Functionality
We are seeking a PostDoc researcher to design and execute a project investigating how foliar‑applied chemical signals influence below‑ground root and rhizosphere functionality.
Responsibilities
* Design and execute a research project to investigate how foliar applied chemical signals can influence below‑ground functionality in the root and rhizosphere.
* Devise chemical‑microbial ecological approaches to effectively explore this new concept, collaborating with other teams to embrace meta‑omics approaches and uncover possible modes of activity of such foliar systemic messengers.
* Collaborate with colleagues from PSH Lead generation and biocontrol research to identify potential business‑relevant applications of the research and prototype innovative concepts in an agile manner.
* Act as a soil expert in the research community, support the activities of the Soil Health Research Center and engage with the PSH Lead Generation and Biocontrol Research teams.
* Generate hypotheses and identify putative and/or speculative foliar‑applied systemic messengers through literature searching.
* Design and execute controlled experiments to evaluate putative or speculative foliar‑applied systemic messengers leading to functional changes in crop root or rhizospheric microbiomes.
* Collaborate with analytical platform colleagues to generate and interpret targeted and untargeted metabolic analyses.
* Coordinate soil metabarcoding activities and interpret the results from taxonomic and functional standpoints.
* Work closely with members of the Soil Health Research Center to deploy biochemical or other functional assays with soil health relevance (e.g., nutrient assimilation, crop resilience to drought or other abiotic stresses, promoting beneficial symbiosis).
* Communicate results and project learnings with relevant colleagues and identify translational opportunities.
* Test most promising leads in semi‑field conditions in relevant agronomical scenarios.
Qualifications
* Metabolomics/microbiome expertise, experience in study design and implementation of plant/soil metabolomic investigations, particularly around root exudates.
* Familiarity with major approaches to study behavior of chemicals in soil such as transport and transformation processes.
* Familiarity with below‑ground plant nutrition processes and root functionality.
* Familiarity with microbial ecology investigations.
* Proven skills to work at different investigation scales from laboratory to field.
* Familiarity with a wide range of analytical MS equipment.
* Solid data analysis experience such as advanced multivariate models, multidimensional data exploration, data visualization, and metabolomic data pre‑processing.
Benefits
We offer a variety of financial and non‑financial benefits including:
* A position that contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
* A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are welcome.
* The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence.
* Learning culture (Together we Grow) and a wide range of training options.
* A competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (family‑friendly initiatives, child and family allowance).
Please send your complete application with CV, motivation letter, diploma, research summary and work certificates (if applicable).
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Research
Industry
Chemical Manufacturing
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