-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Phd position in plant biology Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:05:59 -0600 From: umbagava@cc.umanitoba.ca To: godardbd@cc.umanitoba.ca
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PhD Student Plant Sciences/Biology
Wageningen UR, The Netherlands
Project Information: A basic determinant of plant productivity is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a complex, highly regulated process involving the co-ordinated action of many proteins and cofactors, and in addition to its own particular complexity it has a complex relationship with yield. The aim of this project is to unveil the natural variation for photosynthetic capacity and identify the genetic factors for this variation using a collection of Arabidopsis natural accessions and segregating populations. A sophisticated robotised plant imaging system based on chlorophyll fluorescence will be used to detect variation in the capacity for photosynthetic flexibility of plants by comparing plants exposed to optimal and various suboptimal conditions. This variation will be used to identify quantitative trait loci for photosynthetic flexibility. The loci identified by this means will be further studied to understand the identity of the gene(s) underlying the QTL and the role(s) in plant physiology. This is a collaborative project between the Laboratory of Genetics (Dr. Mark Aarts), the Horticultural Production Chains Group (Dr Jeremy Harbinson) and Plant Research International (Dr. Jan Snel), all at Wageningen UR. It is jointly funded by NWO-ALW and the Technological Top Institute Green Genetics.
Job Description: The PhD student will design and run the scientific programme described above. The student will be required to publish his/her results in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as in a PhD thesis. As a member of the Graduate School for Experimental Plant Sciences participation in various taught courses organized by the School will be compulsory and the student will be expected to assist in the delivery of undergraduate education.
RequirementsRequired education/skills:University Graduate The research will require skills in plant physiology and/or (molecular) genetics, so you should have studied Biology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biotechnology or alike and obtained either an MSc or a 1st or upper 2nd Honours Degree at BSc level. Experience with Arabidopsis and QTL analysis, gene functional analysis or chlorophyll fluorescence and related photosynthetic techniques is considered an advantage. You are highly motivated to establish a scientific career, are fluent in English and you value the benefits of collaboration, but are prepared to perform independent research. Job type: Research / Advising Workfield(s): - Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Agriculture)
OrganizationWageningen UR, Laboratory of Genetics The research of the Botanical Genetics section the Laboratory of Genetics is focused on the development of new genetic tools such as populations and lines, as well as ways to efficiently analyze them, to advance the study of the genetic basis of natural variation, mainly using the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana or related Brassicaceae species. The main areas of biological interest are plant growth and performance, adaptation to heavy metal exposure and plant nutrigenomics.
Conditions of employmentEmployment basis: Temporary for specified period Duration of the contract: 4 years, with a go-no-go decision after 18 months. Maximum hours per week: 38 Additional conditions of employment: We offer a full-time position, 38 hours a week, for 4 years, with a go-no-go decision after 18 months. The monthly salary will start at ? 2042 in the first year, increasing to ? 2612 in the fourth year.
Additional InformationAdditional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Mark Aarts, Laboratory of Genetics Telephone number: 31 317 485413 E-mail address: mark.aarts@wur.nl mailto:mark.aarts@wur.nl
Or Dr. Jeremy Harbinson, Horticultural Production Chains Telephone number: 31 317 483660 E-mail address: jeremy.harbinson@wur.nl mailto:jeremy.harbinson@wur.nl
ApplicationYou can apply for this job before 15-02-2009 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Wageningen UR, Laboratory of Genetics Department Personnel & Organization Mrs. H. Casteels P.O. Box 16 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands E-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl mailto:vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl?subject=ApplicationPhD%20student%20PlantSciences/Biology
Best- Muthu