Postdoctoral Fellow - Biology

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a research project investigating the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms by which acetylcholine (ACh) enhances stress tolerance in tomato plants exposed to combined salinity and drought stress. The project aims to understand how acetylcholine functions as a signaling molecule in plants and contributes to adaptation under simultaneous abiotic stresses. The research will integrate plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and ion-homeostasis studies to identify key pathways, genes, proteins, and regulatory mechanisms involved in ACh-mediated stress resilience. Particular emphasis will be placed on antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, phytohormone and phenylpropanoid metabolism, transcriptional regulation, and ion transport. Candidate regulatory genes and proteins, including transcription factors such as WRKY, NAC, and DREB and ion transporters such as HKT and NHX, will be investigated to determine their roles in plant adaptation to combined salinity and drought stress. Grade: 19.

Applicants must have - • A PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Crop Science, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. • Demonstrated research experience in plant responses to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, osmotic stress, or oxidative stress. • Strong laboratory experience in plant molecular biology and/or plant biochemistry. • Experience with techniques such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, qRT-PCR, geneexpression analysis, enzyme assays, and biochemical characterization. • Experience in designing and conducting plant growth or stress-treatment experiments under controlled greenhouse or growth-chamber conditions. • Knowledge of plant stress signaling, antioxidant systems, osmotic regulation, phytohormone signaling, and/or ion homeostasis. • Ability to analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods. • A strong record of scientific publication commensurate with career stage. • Excellent scientific writing, communication, organizational, and teamwork skills. • Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and manage multiple research activities within project timelines. The position is particularly suited to an enthusiastic and productive researcher interested in understanding the molecular basis of crop resilience under climate-related stresses. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong experimental skills, scientific curiosity, independence, attention to detail, and an ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Preferred qualifications: Applicants should submit - • A current curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications. • A cover letter describing research experience, relevant technical expertise, and interest in the position. • A brief research statement highlighting experience relevant to plant abiotic stress, molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or omics. • Copies or details of selected relevant publications. • Contact information for two professional referees.

Not explicitly separated as a dedicated Responsibilities section. The posting describes the role and research focus, implying responsibilities such as conducting molecular biology, biochemistry, and omics experiments related to acetylcholine-mediated stress tolerance in tomato under salinity and drought, designing and performing plant growth or stress-treatment experiments, data analysis, and contributing to multidisciplinary research within the project timelines.