Assistant Professor (post-doc)- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw

About this position

The competition for the position of Assistant Professor in project How changes in meristem patterning drive evolutionary innovations: insigths from syncephalia in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). PI: dr Jakub Baczyński. Funding institution: National Science Center Poland.

With more than 32,000 species, the sunflower family (Asteraceae) is the largest family of flowering plants. Much of its evolutionary success is attributed to the capitulum; a complex, flower-like inflorescence which has undergone extensive modifications multiple times during the diversification of the family. One such modification is the evolution of syncephalia, i.e. capitula composed of smaller, often highly reduced capitula.

The project aims to uncover the evolutionary-developmental mechanisms responsible for the formation of these fractal-like structures by integrating comparative genomics and developmental transcriptomics, in situ analyses of gene expression patterns, and (where feasible) functional approaches. The results will improve our understanding of how changes in meristem activity generate morphological innovations and increase structural complexity in plants, with potential practical relevance for horticulture and agriculture.

Primary responsibilities:

• Conducting research within the scope of the project and publishing the results in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Securing research funding.
• Fulfilling other academic teacher responsibilities as required by employment at the University of Warsaw.

More details : General scope of duties for academic teachers .