Siri Fjellheim

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is inviting applications for a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Evolutionary Plant Genomics . The project focuses on evolutionary and comparative genomics of temperate grasses, especially species in the Pooideae subfamily, with the long-term aim of understanding how plants evolved tolerance to extreme winters and seasonal drought and how this knowledge can support future crop resilience. The successful postdoctoral fellow will generate and analyse chromosome-scale, polyploid-aware genome assemblies of High Arctic grass species with exceptional winter survival. These data will be compared with published genomes across the Pooideae to study comparative genomics, structural variation, gene family evolution, copy number variation, repeat landscapes, and TE-associated regulatory evolution. Particular attention will be paid to cold-associated genes and the GH32 fructan gene family, alongside broader questions of adaptation to harsh seasonal environments. The role combines genome assembly, evolutionary analysis, and integration with physiological and ecological stress data. It sits at the interface of evolutionary biology, genomics, plant stress biology, and climate adaptation research, offering a strong opportunity for postdoctoral development and publication in high-impact international journals. Main tasks include leading assembly and curation of chromosome-scale plant genomes, developing polyploid-aware assembly and annotation workflows, analysing structural variation and repeat landscapes, performing comparative genomics between cold- and warm-adapted sister species, testing for relaxed or intensified selection, and integrating genomic findings with ecological and physiological datasets. The fellow will also contribute to collaborative research activities, teaching, and supervision of students. Applicants must hold a PhD in evolutionary biology, plant genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates finishing their PhD in autumn 2026 may apply, provided they can document the degree before employment. Strong experience in genome assembly and/or comparative genomics, Unix/Linux, scripting (Python, R or similar), phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses, and excellent English communication skills are required. Advantageous experience includes polyploid genome assembly, Hi-C data, structural variant analysis, gene family and molecular evolution analyses, plant stress biology, large genomic datasets, teaching, and Scandinavian language skills. The position is based at NMBU in Ås, Norway, within the Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT), a research environment active in genome biology, breeding, genetics, plant biology, and sustainable plant production. The advertised salary is NOK 604,900–720,000 depending on qualifications, with the possibility of higher salary for especially well-qualified applicants. Application is electronic via the university recruitment system. The deadline is 8 September 2026 . Required attachments include a cover letter, CV, copies of diplomas and other certificates, and up to ten selected publications. Non-electronic documents, if needed, are to be sent by post to NMBU, Faculty of Biosciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås.