Job Description

🚀 We’re hiring a #Postdoc!
Join our group in Poznan, Poland to study meiotic crossover recombination in plants🌱 Highly motivated & enthusiastic candidates are welcome!
📅 Deadline: Nov 1, 2025

A three-year Postdoctoral position funded by the NCN MAESTRO project is available in the
Laboratory of Genome Biology, led by Prof. Piotr Ziolkowski at Adam Mickiewicz University in
Poznań, Poland.
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number to produce
gametes and enable sexual reproduction. At its core lies crossover recombination, which
reshuffles parental genetic information. Our lab investigates the factors and pathways that
control meiotic crossover formation in plants.
This project will explore the functional relationships between different crossover pathways.
Using Illumina sequencing and our seed-typing method, we will map crossover frequency,
distribution, and hotspot activity in various mutants to gain insights into multiple aspects of
crossover formation. We will also examine the effects of mutations on crossover interference and
heterochiasmy through sex-specific crossover maps. Additional hypotheses will be tested using
biochemical and cytogenetic approaches, and we expect to develop new methods to study non-
crossovers in plants and to propose mechanistic models for the choice of recombination
pathways. The project will focus primarily on Arabidopsis, but other plant species may also be
included to broaden the scope of our findings. Finally, we will assess the evolutionary impact of
increased crossover frequency by propagating mutant combinations for multiple generations and
applying long-read sequencing (ONT) to evaluate genome stability, with a focus on structural
rearrangements.
We are looking for talented, highly motivated, and creative researchers with a PhD in biology,
genetics, or a related field and a strong publication record. Candidates should have a solid
background and hands-on experience in molecular cloning and plant handling (Arabidopsis,
maize, or other plant species). Expertise in plant genome analysis, ONT sequencing, TurboID and
protein–protein interactions, meiotic cytology, or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing will be
considered a strong advantage.
The position does not involve formal teaching duties; however, the researcher will be expected
to assist in the training of undergraduate students.
We offer:

• Supportive and stimulating environment in friendly and well-equipped research group
• Access to newly developed methodology and cutting-edge technologies in plant genetics
  and molecular biology
• A chance to develop new skills in research, paper writing and grant application
  Please submit the following documents with your application:
• CV which gives an overview of the academic/education history
• Letter of motivation
• Names and contact information of at least two academic referees
  Application deadline: 01.11.2025
  For further details contact us by email:
  Prof. Piotr A. Ziolkowski, pzio@amu.edu.pl
  For more information about the group, please visit our website at http://dgb.amu.edu.pl or
  https://ibmib.web.amu.edu.pl/groups/laboratory-of-genome-biology/,