Doctoral Grant (BOF), Molecular Plant Biology - 2019BAPDOCPROEX191

The Faculty of Science is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Biology for a

Doctoral Grant by the University Research Fund (BOF) in the area of Molecular Plant Biology

Research Group: Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES)

Project: Cold Response Dynamics in the Maize Leaf Growth Zone

Early spring cold is a major limiting factor for maize cultivation in North-Western Europe. Typically, cold spells are only transient, and it is known that the capacity of varieties to recover strongly determines their final yield. Nevertheless, in contrast to the direct response to adverse conditions, the mechanisms involved in the recovery of growth have scarcely been studied.

This project addresses this critical lack in our knowledge, using an innovative experimental setup where transient exposures to cold are applied at different stages of the development of the 4th leaf of maize lines with contrasting cold tolerance. Advanced phenotyping will be used to quantify the effect on the elongation growth of the leaf, during the cold and upon recovery until the leaf stops growing.

Kinematic analysis will be used to quantify the cellular basis of the growth response and recovery. We will determine the molecular changes in the leaf growth zone during the response and recovery phase by means of mRNA sequencing, antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolites analysis and biochemical assays. At the physiological level we will determine the response of photosynthesis and water-relations.
Based on this comprehensive and integrated analysis, candidate recovery genes will be identified and mutant and transgenic lines with altered expression of these genes will be acquired and studied in our experimental setup and under field conditions. The obtained knowledge will be scientifically innovative and relevant for plant breeding.

Job description

• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Molecular Plant Biology.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You contribute to teaching and research in the department of Biology.

Profile and requirements

• You hold a master degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Bio-engineering.
• You can submit outstanding academic results.
• Students in the final year of their degree can also apply.
• Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You are fluent in English (written and spoken).
• You have experience with molecular techniques and preferentially also with genomics.
• You have knowledge of developmental and molecular biology of plants.

We offer

• a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;
• the start date of the scholarship will be between October 1st 2019 and October 1st2020;
• a gross monthly grant ranging from € 2.373,36 to € 2.516,73;
• a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

How to apply?

• Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date August 11th 2019 and should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
• The interviews of the candidates, preselected by a selection panel, will take place between August 20th and September 12th 2019.
• More information about the online application form can be obtained from vacaturesuantwerpen.be.
• For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. dr. Ir. Gerrit Beemster, Phone: 03 265 34 81, email: gerrit.beemsteruantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp is a family friendly organization, with a focus on equal opportunities and diversity. Our HR-policy for researchers was awarded by the European Commission with the quality label HR Excellence in research.

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