Vacancies 

PhD researcher (AIO) Growth Regulating Molecular Networks in Plants (1,0 fte)

Plant growth and development critically depend on carbon nutrient status and over the past years several regulatory systems that link plant carbon status to growth have emerged (reviewed by Smeekens et al. 2010, Current Opinion in Plant Biology 13:274-9.). A systems biology analysis will be used to understand the molecular networks that link carbon nutrient status to growth. The regulatory systems that will be studied are the trehalose 6-phosphate signaling system and the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase pathway that both promote growth when activated by the presence of sugars, and the SNF1-related Protein Kinase1 (SnRK1) and the C/S1 bZIP transcription factor network systems that in the absence of sugars are inhibitory to growth (Smeekens et al. 2010 and references therein). In an integrated experimental and bioinformatics approach novel regulatory interactions between these systems will be investigated in the Arabidopsis plant model with its advanced genetics, molecular and systems biology tools.

Project
This project will combine laboratory experiments and bioinformatics analysis and will run in parallel with a PhD project focused on the evolutionary history of the regulatory systems. We are looking for a molecular or genome biologists interested in understanding plant growth. Preferably the candidate has expertise in plant physiology or genetics research and have an interest in bioinformatics approaches to study signal transduction problems in plants. Datasets will be generated mainly by genome wide expression analysis and the information used to construct gene regulatory networks. English communication and writing skills are required. To qualify for the position you should have an MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant  subject area.

The candidate is offered a full-time position for four years.The gross salary is in the range between € 2.042,- and maximum € 2.612,- per month.

The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project.
More information on our employment conditions.

More information 
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from: Dr. Johannes Hanson (s.j.hanson@uu.nl) or Prof. Sjef Smeekens (j.c.m.smeekens@uu.nl).

Application
Please send your application (including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and contact details of at least two references).

 
Position is filled!