PhD position in molecular genetics

Plant Sciences Group

Wageningen UR

PhD position in molecular genetics

Vacancy number: DPW 08-13
Wageningen UR, Plant Breeding
Location: Wageningen

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
In addition, applied research is carried out utilising specialist know-how and expertise in various sectors. Wageningen Plant Sciences also conducts a number of statutory research tasks.

Project Information:
The PhD project is part of the Programme for Strategic Scientific Alliances between the Peoples Republic of China and the Netherlands, and is funded by the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences. The PSA program is titled: Genomics of nutritional and developmental traits in Brassica; a postdoc, two AIOs and two sandwich PhDs will be involved.
Wide variation for morphological/developmental and nutritional traits exists in B. rapa , and the genetic basis of this variation is largely unknown. We follow a genetic approach to genetically dissect nutritionally and developmental traits in Brassica rapa and B. oleracea, building on results and genetic materials that are developed in the PSA project phase, like segregating populations with genetic maps and core collections. This allows a QTL mapping approach and an association-mapping approach, which can sample allelic variation.
Partners in this program are the WUR PlantScience and Agrotechnology and Food Sciences groups, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Hebei Agricultural University.

Job Description:
Both at WU PB and at IVF CAAS, the genetic relationship between a large number of B. rapa accessions representing different geographical origins and different morphotypes was studied. This revealed that genetic relatedness was more influenced by region then by morphotype and suggested that different morphotypes (turnips, oils) emerged independently in Asia and Europe. In crosses between early flowering Yellow Sarson and late flowering Japanese Vegetable Turnip one major QTL explaining 40% of turnip formation was identified, which colocalized with a floweringtime QTL, with the FLC2 transcription factor as candidate gene. In this AIO project, we will follow a genetic approach to unravel the genetics of turnip formation, its relationship to flowering time, and to investigate whether the same set or different sets of genes underly turnip formation in Asia and Europe. Gene targeted markers will be developed, an in vitro system will be developed to synchronise turnip formation, metabolites and hormones will be measured and gene expression profiles will be studied between bulks of lines with opposite genotypes and phenotypes. Combined data will shed light on the genetics underlying turnip formation in B. rapa species.

Profile:
You have a university degree in Plant Sciences, with a strong focus on quantitative genetics and experience in bioinformatics. Knowledge/experience of plant physiology and tissue culture will be considered an advantage.

Remuneration:
This is a full-time scientific training position, temporary for a period of one year with a possible extension of three years, to be concluded with a PhD thesis. Gross salary: € 1933,-- per month in the first year, rising to € 2472, -- per month in the fourth year, according to the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

Location:
Wageningen

Information:
Further information can be obtained from Dr. ir. A.B. Bonnema, tel. + 31 317- 48 40 28
(e-mail: Guusje.Bonnema@wur.nl)

Application:
Please send your letter and curriculum vitae, mentioning the vacancy number, before 17 Jully 2008, to
Wageningen University and Research Center, Plant Sciences Group
Department Personnel & Organisation
Mrs. H. Casteels
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
Email: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl