Postdoctoral fellow within Evolutionary Plant Genomics

About the position

We invite applications for a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in evolutionary and comparative genomics of temperate grasses at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

The project investigates how species of the grass subfamily Pooideae evolved the ability to survive extreme winters and seasonal drought — and how this evolutionary knowledge can inform future crop resilience. Temperate cereals such as wheat, barley, rye and oats belong to this group, which dominates northern ecosystems and underpins global food security 

The postdoctoral fellow will generate and analyse chromosome-scale, polyploid-aware genome assemblies of High Arctic grass species with exceptional winter survival. 

In combination with published genomes of species across the Pooideae, the postdoctoral fellow will conduct comparative genomics, structural variation analyses, and gene family evolution studies — with particular focus on cold-associated genes and the GH32 fructan gene family. Ultimately, the project aims to uncover the genomic mechanisms enabling adaptation to extreme seasonal environments 

The position combines genome assembly, evolutionary analysis, and integration with physiological stress data, and offers an opportunity to work at the interface of evolutionary biology, genomics, and climate adaptation research.

Main tasks

• Lead assembly and curation of chromosome-scale plant genomes
• Develop polyploid-aware assembly and annotation workflows
• Perform structural variation and repeat landscape analyses
• Conduct comparative genomics between cold- and warm-adapted sister species
• Analyse gene family evolution and test for relaxed or intensified selection
• Investigate copy number variation and TE-associated regulatory evolution
• Integrate genomic findings with ecological and physiological datasets
• Publish results in high-impact international journals
• Contribute to collaborative research activities
• Teaching courses and supervision of students

Depending on expertise and interest, involvement in experimental design and physiological data analysis may be included.

The main purpose of the post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. A PhD degree is required. 

Competence

Required qualifications

• PhD in evolutionary biology, plant genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related discipline
• Candidates finishing their PhD degree in the autumn of 2026 can also apply, but must provide documentation of their degree before employment
• Strong experience with genome assembly and/or comparative genomics
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments and scripting (Python, R or similar)
• Experience with phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Qualifications considered an advantage

• Experience with polyploid genome assembly or haplotype-resolved assemblies
• Experience with Hi-C data and structural variant analysis
• Expertise in gene family evolution and molecular evolution analyses
• Familiarity with plant stress biology (cold, drought, carbohydrate metabolism)
• Experience handling large genomic datasets
• Interest in linking evolutionary genomics to crop resilience
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment
• Scandinavian language
• Experience with teaching

Personal qualities

• Interest and motivation in teaching and teaching development
• Ability and willingness to initiate, form and carry out research projects 
• Ability to take initiative and work systematically and efficiently, both independently and in teams 
• Good communication and dissemination skills 
• Positive and solution-oriented 
• Curious and creative

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow (NOK 604 900-720 000) depending on qualifications. For particularly well-qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact Professor Siri Fjellheim, phone: +47 93690700, e-mail: siri.fjellheim@nmbu.no. 

General information to applicants

Application

Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. 

Application Deadline: 08.09.2026

Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15.

Please note that the report from the expert committee will be sent to all applicants.

The following must be included in the application:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Copies of diplomas and other relevant certificates
• Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked still.nr. 26/06926. to NMBU, Faculty of Biosciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 08.09.2026.

About The Faculty of Biosciences

The Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT) aims to shape the future of food and bioproduction through teaching and research in biology and sustainable production and use of plants, livestock and fish. The faculty has a large project portfolio and an annual turnover of approximately NOK 250 million. 

BIOVIT is organized into seven research groups: Genome Biology, Breeding, Genetics and Food Production Systems, Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology, Ethology and Animal Welfare, Nutrition and Physiology for Monogastric Animals, Plant Biology, Sustainable Food Systems and Integrated Plant Protection, and Genetics, Evolution and Sustainable Plant Production. Additionally, the faculty has seven research support and laboratory units.

BIOVIT is responsible for bachelor’s and master’s programs in aquaculture, biology, animal science, and plant science, as well as English-language master’s programs in Agroecology, Plant Sciences, Feed Manufacturing Technology, and Genome Sciences. BIOVIT also offers Ph.D. programs in animal science and plant science. Currently, the faculty has about 550 bachelor’s and master’s students and 90 Ph.D. students. BIOVIT employs approximately 230 staff members and has its own faculty administration.