A PhD position are available in the translation group of Molecular Plant Physiology of Utrecht University, were we study the translational dynamics of germinating seeds. Protein synthesis is the most energy demanding process in the heterotrophic cell. Seeds are not able to photosynthesize and therefor dependent on the stored energy reserves during germination and seedling establishment in order to establish the proteome of the seedling. This process is highly regulated and the proteins needed for the early phases of germination are present in the dry seed together with many mRNAs, which are presumably the first to be translated. Recent proteome and transcriptome data have revealed the importance of translational regulation both at the global level and at the level of individual transcripts.
Project description
Transcription is not needed during the first phases of germination. The first synthesized proteins are translated from mRNAs present in the seed. This project will address the importance of these mRNAs for regulation of dormancy and germination, by i.e. analyzing the translatome of dormant and after-ripened seeds. Part of the project will be based on translation related genes of which the expression is affected in highly dormant seeds.
We seek highly motivated candidates with expertise in Arabidopsis genetics (or another major genetic model organism), molecular biology, or biochemistry. Expertise in advanced cloning, transcription factor biology, or transcriptomics analysis will be considered to be of additional advantage. Very good English communication and writing skills are required.To qualify for the position you should have an MSc Degree in a suitable subject.
For more information visit http://www.uu.nl/science/mpp or refer to:
Dr. Johannes Hanson (s.j.hanson@uu.nl) or
Dr. Leónie Bentsink (l.bentsink@uu.nl).
Please send your application to Dr. Johannes Hanson (s.j.hanson@uu.nl) before 10 October, including reasons for applying, CV and name and addresses of references (at least three for the postdoc and two for the PhD position). More information is available on the website where you also can find a direct link for online application:
http://www.uu.nl/EN/INFORMATIONFOR/JOBSEEKER/Page/vacancies.aspx
For the terms of employment please visit:
http://www.uu.nl/EN/informationfor/jobseekers/Working-for-Utrecht-University/terms-of-employment/Pages/default.aspx