Post-doctoral & doctoral position in Plant Vitamin Metabolism

Project on offer: Within the group of Teresa Fitzpatrick at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva in Switzerland, applications are invited for both a post-doctoral and a doctoral position to work on the molecular characterization of factors controlling B vitamin homeostasis and how this impacts plant fitness. We are currently interested in how certain B vitamins are integrated into symbioses of plants and microbes. In particular, how is vitamin B1 or B6 status recognized and does this have the power to influence metabolic and/or developmental programs as a function of the availability of the vitamin. The project will use Lotus and rice as key model organisms. The position requires a solid background in plant molecular biology and associated techniques to be implemented in the proposed model organisms. Key skills that are currently in use in the lab include a combination of genetics, molecular and cell biology, biochemical and physiological techniques as well as protein biochemistry mainly using Arabidopsis to date. State of the art equipment is available to enable these methods. Information on the lab may be accessed at http://www.unige.ch/fitzpatricklab/

Profile required: Applicants should have either recently received (less than 1 year) or expect to soon receive either a PhD in the case of the post-doc position or a MSc in the case of the doctoral position in plant molecular biology with extensive knowledge of current methods associated with these disciplines preferably in the chosen model organisms. Previous experience with the characterization of plant metabolic and/or signaling pathways at the biochemical and physiological and genetic level would be a distinct advantage, in addition to the use of bioinformatics. The post holder should be able to work independently and show initiative within a multidisciplinary project area and collaborate with other members of the group. Proven ability of competence in the form of first author high impact publications is required in the case of the post-doc position.

Fluency in English is essential with both excellent oral and written communication skills expected.
Further details may be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]

What to do: Candidates should send a motivation letter, a detailed CV including publication record, a description of research interests and skills, together with the names and addresses of three referees to the above e-mail address. Engagement, depending on performance, can be up to 3 years for the post-doc and 5 years for the doctoral position. The position is open until filled.