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.