Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute (IUNG-PIB),

ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland (http://iung.pulawy.pl/)

has launched the European Community FP7 project entitled Strengthening IUNG’s proficiency in “Managing the Production of Food and Feedstuffs, their safety and quality under global Climatic Change” acronym: PROFICIENCY.

Under this project we seek to appoint five full-time experienced researchers (PhD, 5 years experience, over 35 years of age) for the 3 years duration of the project with obligatory offer of permanent employment in IUNG-PIB after its conclusion.

Profiles and expected activities:

1.         Agriculture economist with informatics skills and experience with data bases,

            modelling of agricultural systems, questionnaire analysis

Requested/expected knowledge:

a)    have a knowledge of the production of biomass for energy purposes
b)   experience with data bases
c)   experience with simulation models
d)   experience with the modelling system GAMS

2.         Geographer, with good skills in geographic information system GIS, drought occurrence and monitoring

Requested/expected knowledge:

a)   experience with GIS - ArcGIS software preferred.
b)   experience with geostatistical tools, modelling, spatial analysis and

      geoprocessing
c)   programming skills in VB and Python
d)   experience with data bases

3.         Phytochemist, biologist with phytochemistry skills, molecular biologist with phytochemistry skills with experience in analytical methods

            Requested/expected knowledge:

a)     the function of secondary metabolites in plants (insect and disease resistance, drought resistance, stress);

b)     comprehensive metabolic profiling (metabolomics) using LC-ESI-MSn, UPLC-TripleQuad MS/MS;

c)      In vitro cultures for synthesis/transformation of useful secondary metabolites.

4.         Toxicologist, trained in analysis of trace elements, persistent pollutants, eco-toxicological methods, risk assessment methods

Requested/expected knowledge:

a)   ecological (ERA, EEA) and human risk assessment methodologies;

b)     modelling;

c)      effects and fate of contaminants in the soil environment;

d)     ecotoxicity testing;

e)     methods for determination of organic contaminants  in soil (GC/MS and GC/EEC)

f)        methods for determination of metals (AAS, ICP/MS)

g)     soil chemistry

5        Plant pathologist, microbiologist, biologist with phytochemistry and plant pathology experience

Requested/expected knowledge:

a)   identification of plant pathogens using molecular techniques

b)   cytogenetical analysis of plants using hybridization in situ methods (FISH, GISH)

c)   molecular phylogenetics of plants

All candidates are expected to be fluent in speaking and writing English.

Candidates should send their application forms indicating: participation in projects/grants,

list of publications, specialist training (country and international level), other activities and achievements either by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (project coordinator) or regular mail: Department of Biochemistry, IUNG-PIB, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.

The deadline for applications is January 29, 2010. More detailed information can be obtained by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it