Postdoctoral position: “Involvement of transcription factors in poplar root growth orchestration”

Segnalato da: Francesco Loreto

Involvement of transcription factors in poplar root growth orchestration

The position is based at INRA-Nancy Center, France. The center undertakes fundamental research on forest and plantation tree species, with particular expertise in ecophysiology, molecular genetics, as well as genomics and genetic dissection of complex traits. Specific infrastructures are available to carry out fundamental research in forestry, including a GMO S2-greenhouse as well as facilities for microscopy and transcriptome analyses. The center offers a creative and stimulating international environment, and belongs to the Cluster of Excellence ”ARBRE” at INRA University of Lorraine.

Duties

Root system development is responsive to numerous factors of the rhizosphere, including interactions with fungi, nutrient availability and water availability. While root growth is established and maintained by a balance between cell division and cell elongation, recent work has highlighted the important role of stem cells in the organization of root tissues and in growth. The successful candidate will investigate the role of key transcription factors identified in stem cells in the response of poplar root growth to rhizophere signals: ectomycorrhizal symbionts or water stress. Involvement of hormonal signalling pathways in poplar root growth will be also investigated. The project will combine different complementary approaches such as poplar transgenic lines, molecular biology, kinematics and imaging tools.

Qualification

The applicant should be highly motivated and have a PhD degree in plant molecular biology, plant physiology or related field. The applicant should have good understanding of plant and cell biology. Knowledge in tree physiology would be an advantage. Proven skills in both oral and written scientific English are required. To be appointed as a postdoc, the applicant should have been awarded her/his PhD no more than three years ago at the time of application. Applicants should submit a CV including a publication list and a short description of previous research, current research interests and other activities of relevance for the position. A copy of the PhD diploma, copies of no more than three publications and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of up to three references should be joint.

Place of work

Champenoux near Nancy, France.

Form of employment

The position is initially limited to 12 months but extension is possible.

Starting date

The position is available from February 2013.

Info

If you need more information or if you are interested in this position, please contact by e-mail
Valérie Legué (valerie.legue@univ-lorraine.fr) or Irène Hummel (hummel@nancy.inra.fr).