University of Manitoba
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
Post-doctoral Position in Plant Systems Biology
Position 30425
The Wilkins lab is seeking a highly motivated and independent scholar who is interested in pursuing academic research in plant functional genomics and systems biology to study the regulation of plant metabolite synthesis using single cell, and spatial RNA-sequencing technologies starting September 2025 or as soon as possible. The successful candidate will work with the Plant Systems Biology Group (www.oliviawilkinslab.com), in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba. The successful candidate will join a large multi-year, international project which aims to discover natural products from plants and microbes that will sustainably enhance plant and soil health for agriculture (https://c-spirit.org/).
The successful candidate will be responsible for using single cell and spatial sequencing platforms to characterize and manipulate the regulation of specialized metabolite production in plant tissues. The applicant will work closely with teams in Canada, the United States, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom. They will have the opportunity to advance their exiting skills by attending workshops and courses, to mentor students, and to participate in preparation and writing of manuscripts. The lab is a diverse and collaborative workplace that is committed to building an environment of integrity and respect where science and scientists can flourish.
Primary duties and responsibilities
- Perform single cell and spatial RNA-seq analysis of plant tissues
- Develop models of metabolite regulation from multimodal data
- Contribute to quarterly reporting, and exchanging data, materials, and ideas with collaborating research teams.
- Explore novel research ideas related to the goals of the project and/or research group.
- Mentor graduate students working on related projects.
- Write and publish manuscripts with the team.
- PhD in a field relevant to plant systems biology or functional genomics is required.
- Hands on experience in computational biology and functional genomic data analysis is required.
- Experience in one or more of the following: advanced functional genomic assays, microscopy and imaging, plant phenomics and physiological assays, computational biology.
- Ideally experienced in plant tissue culture and abiotic stress assay design and implementation.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
Research and training
The successful candidate will be expected to cultivate skills in project management and within-team communication, scientific writing, and oral presentations and will be supported to gain expertise in these
areas. Research personnel will be required to participate in team meetings, to share data and progress as requested, and to show initiative with respect to the development of their research questions.
The position is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and available funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience and the University of Manitoba salary scale.
Interested applicants should send (i) a letter stating their interest in this position, (ii) a complete CV, and (iii) contact information for three references to
[email protected].
All applicants are thanked in advance; only those selected for further consideration will receive a response. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until this position is filled.
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact
[email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.
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