Post Doc position in France (Versailles)
Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Plant Biology at the Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin at INRA Versailles
Evolution of strigolactone signaling pathways in land plants
A post–doctoral position, comparing the strigolactone (SL) signaling pathways between vascular plants and non-vascular plants, is available from January 2014 in the laboratory of Catherine Rameau. This position is available from January 2014 for 12 months, with a possibility of renewal for up to 18 months.
SLs are the most recent discovered plant hormones controlling shoot branching and other processes of plant development in vascular plants. Non-vascular plants produced SLs and we have shown that in the moss Physcomitrella patens, SLs control plant extension and interaction between plants. This project aims at identifying key components of signaling pathways in pea (Pisum sativum) and in moss. Complementary approaches will be used in both species; transcriptomics, classical genetics (mutant characterization), biochemistry. Within the project, SLs and SL analogs (with known bioactivity), tritiated or fluorescent, will be developed by chemists involved in the project in particular for receptor-ligand binding studies.
Applicants should have a strong background in plant biology, ideally in the hormone field. Experience in molecular cloning, and protein biochemistry is essential. The successful candidate should be able to work independently and be highly motivated and productive. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
Situated in Versailles, the Institut JP Bourgin http://www-ijpb.versailles.inra.fr/en/
provides outstanding research facilities and a highly stimulating environment.
The Rameau laboratory (http://www-ijpb.versailles.inra.fr/en/bc/equipes/pois/index.html) belongs to the “Morphogenesis, Signaling, Modeling” Department, providing the candidate the opportunity to work on project at the interface between Plant biology and Chemistry.
Interested applicants should send via e-mail (1) a cover letter detailing the applicant's research experience, interests and possible starting date, (2) his/her CV, and (3) the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references to Catherine Rameau (Catherine.Rameau@versailles.inra.fr) and Sandrine Bonhomme (Sandrine.Bonhomme@versailles.inra.fr).