Previous studies have shown that the cell separation process leading to floral organ abscission in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana is regulated by IDA (INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION), a small, plant specific peptide that is believed to act as an extracellular ligand involved in cell-cell signaling (Butenko et al., 2003; Stenvik et al., 2006). IDA is a member of a family of six genes in Arabidopsis, where the other IDA-LIKE (IDL) genes are thought to be involved in various cell separation processes essential for proper plant development. In this project we will study how the signalling transduction mechanism of IDA/IDL regulates cell separation. The main goals of the project are to identify the biological function of these peptides, their receptors and transport routes, and their signal cascades and effect on gene expression.
One PhD position is available at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo (UiO)for a period of 3 years. The position is associated to the Genomics, Gene regulation and Gene function Program in Professor Reidunn Aalens group (http://www.imbv.uio.no/gen/groups/aalen/).
Two positions are available at the Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim for a period of 4 years with 25% teaching duty. The positions are associated with the Cell and Molecular Biology Group led by Professor Atle M. Bones (http://boneslab.bio.ntnu.no/index.html).
The project is a close collaboration between Professor Aalen and Professor Bones and short term research visits in both Oslo and Trondheim are expected during the project period for all candidates.
For a detailed description of the three positions please see: http://boneslab.bio.ntnu.no/open_positions.html
Questions regarding the positions can be directed to:
Professor Reidunn B. Aalen (reidunn.aalen@imbv.uio.no) tlf. +47 22 85 72 97
Professor Atle M. Bones (atle.bones@bio.ntnu.no) tlf. +47 73 59 86 92
Researcher Tore Brembu (tore.brembu@bio.ntnu.no) tlf. +47 73 59 62 22
UiO application deadline: June 19
NTNU application deadline: June 22
Project start date: September 1st, 2007
Requirements:
The positions require a Master degree or similar within molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology or biochemistry. Experience from work on Arabidopsis is an advantage, but not a requirement. The applicant must be qualified for the doctoral program within these disciplines. We will put emphasis on composing a research team with complementary skills, where competence in molecular biology is essential.
Contact:
Melinka Butenko
Blindernveien 31
0371 Oslo
Oslo, Norway 0371
Phone: +47 22 85 46 04