Job Description

PhD Studentship in Plant Epigenetics
- Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

Description:
The hypothesis
Testing whether the stress treatment (salt, drought, cold) of Arabidopsis thaliana plants causes epigenetic modifications that lead to improved stress tolerance. The objectives of the project are to identify transcriptional profiles after stress pre-treatments, to discover stress-induced epigenetic modifications, and to characterise the role of epigenetically targeted genes in stress adaptation.

The Project
To provide the opportunity for high-quality doctoral training in a new and vibrant research field thus equipping the student with excellent future career opportunities. In particular the student will be trained in cutting-edge functional genomics technologies including gene expression profiling with microarrays, large-scale immuno-precipitation of epigenetically modified DNA fragments (MeDIP and ChIP techniques) and RNAi silencing. You will be supervised by a team of leading scientists in the areas of plant stress tolerance (Dr. Amtmann), plant epigenetics (Dr. Colot, ENS, Paris) and evolutionary genetics (Dr. Mable, FBLS, Glasgow).

Qualifications: Candidates will be considered that are highly motivated, have an excellent degree in molecular biological sciences, a proven record of experimental experience (e.g. Honours project and summer projects) and a deep understanding of plant genetics. Practical experience with plant growth and stress physiology would be preferable. Candidates must be from the European Union and have at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Intended start date will be 1 January 2009.

Salary Details: The studentship will carry a stipend of £13,500 per annum plus university fees for up to three years.

Application Details: Applications must consist of

• A current CV,
• Contact details of at least two academic referees,
• Evidence of degree performance, and
• A completed application form from the university's website (available here)

Candidates are encouraged to complete the online application, but also to send their CV and associated documents direct to the Graduate School:

Graduate School of Biomedical and Life Sciences,
Bower Building,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow
G12 8QQ,
UK

Contact: Dr. Anna Amtmann

More Information: The Faculty of Biomedical & Life Sciences

More Information: Dr Anna Amtmann

Closing Date: Check with institute