.We are looking for an experienced, independent, resourceful and organized PhD researcher able to integrate into an organization that is developing innovative products and services to protect crops against pests and diseases. The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate a solid background in microbiology with demonstrated experience in the field of biological control agent isolation and characterization of Mode of action. Main responsibilities The researcher will lead InPP tasks in a Horizon Europe funded Project. The researcher will report directly to the Director New Biopesticides and has the following specific responsibilities: Develop and apply methodology to isolate microbial libraries from grapevine plant materials; Develop and apply existing methodology for semi and high-throughput microbial library screening to identify biological control agents (BCA) against grapevine pathogens (bacterial and fungal); Characterize the mode of action of the potential BCAs; Test potential BCAs ex vivo and in planta (grapevine); Interact and collaborate diligently intra and inter departmentally; Register, interpret andreport experimental results accordingly to InPP´s established procedures; Write scientific and technical reports according to Horizon Europe set rules and within project deadlines; Attend national and international meetings, deliver task reports. Essential requirements PhD degree in areas related to Microbiology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Biochemistry or similar (level recognition by a Portuguese University or obtainable within one month of position offering); Experience in working in the plant field; Highly experienced in molecular biology (general DNA manipulation techniques, such as cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, and RTq-PCR); Experience in working with microorganisms; Fluency in English, spoken and written; Ability and interest insupervising younger researchers; Very organized, abilityto work independently as a member of a multidisciplinary, project-oriented team, with demonstrated problem-solving skills and flexibility. Ideal requirements Working in plant pathology field; Working with grapevinesand grapevine-related pathogens; Biochemistry (namely, protein purification, SDS page, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation); Light and fluorescence microscopy. Workplace The work location will be at the headquarters of InnovPlantProtect in Elvas, situated in INIAV, at the former National Plant Breeding Station. Salary and contract A full-time contract, expected to start on 23rd September 2024 (or when possible soon after that date), will continue until 31st of May 2028, with a trial period of one month. All the activities to be developed will be subject to confidentiality clauses. Gross remuneration will depend on experience, starting from €2.046,00 (14 months – €28.644,00/year), plus €6 for daily lunch subsidy. How to Apply To the care of the Chief Executive Officer of InnovPlantProtect Collaborative Lab, Professor Pedro Fevereiro ( )
