Job descriptionProject Information:
The ERGO project “Design of a decision matrix to assess GM crop impact on the detrital food web” aims to investigate how to determine risks of genetically modified food crop plants potentially damaging a healthy soil ecosystem by monitoring the effect of GM plants on detrivore soil organisms. In the project, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica plants will be constructed expressing Arabidopsis genes that are expected to enhance the content of specific anti-nutritional glucosinolates. These plants will be used by the collaborating partner in the project, the department of Animal Ecology of the Earth and Life Sciences faculty of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, to study their effect on detrivore soil organisms. The project is expected to start soon.
Job Description:
Arabidopsis transcription factor genes known to control aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis will be cloned behind different promoters to create binary constructs for transformation of Arabidopsis, Brassica oleracea and B. rapa using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes mediated transformation methods. Transgenic plants need to be evaluated for gene expression and glucosinolate levels in pots and if possible in the field. Successfully modified plants will be multiplied for use in detrivore feeding studies by the VU partner.
RequirementsRequired education/skills:Doctorate
You have obtained a PhD in Plant Sciences or (Plant) Biotechnololgy, with a strong focus on molecular biology. You have experience in binary vector construction, plant transformations and analysis of transgenic plants. Experience with Arabidopsis and Brassica transformation is considered an advantage. You have published in high-rating international scientific journals. You value the benefits of collaboration, but are well able to perform independent research.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s):
- Post-doctorates(Scientific discipline: Agriculture)
OrganizationWageningen UR, Laboratory of Genetics
Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR) is an international renowned knowledge institute in the fields of life sciences and sustainability. It makes an essential contribution to the quality of life through pioneering research and innovative education in the fields of health and nutrition, sustainable agricultural systems and a viable environment.
Wageningen Plant Sciences is a Wageningen UR consortium, bringing together the expertise of Wageningen University and the research institutes Plant Research International and PPO (Applied Plant Research). Dedicated to the field of plant-related research and education, Wageningen Plant Sciences has over 1800 staff members at 17 locations throughout the Netherlands.
The cooperation focuses on five expertise areas:
- Bioscience
- Breeding and Biodiversity
- Crop Ecology and Chain Innovations
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection
- Agrosystem innovations
Research group:
The Botanical Genetics section of the Laboratory of Genetics studies the genetic basis of natural variation in plants, mainly using the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana or related Brassicaceae species. The research of the section 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 natural variation. 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: 3 years.
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
This concerns a full-time position, 38 hours a week, for 3 years. Salary depends on experience (scale 10-11) with a maximum of €4284 per month.
Additional InformationAdditional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Mark Aarts
Telephone number:
31 317
485413
E-mail address: mark.aarts@wur.nl
ApplicationYou can apply for this job before 24-10-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Wageningen UR, Laboratory of Genetics
Department Personnel & Organization
H. Casteels
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
When applying for this job, mention the vacancynumber AT: DPW 08-40.
Regards,
Muthu