PhD-position in Systems biology applied to modeling of tomato fruit growth
Wageningen (The Netherlands), 38 hours per week
Plant Sciences Group – Wageningen University and Research Centre
Vacancynumber: DPW 07-02
Organization
Wageningen University and Research Centre
(Wageningen UR) is an international renowned
knowledge institute in the fields of life
sciences and sustainability. It makes an
essential contribution to the quality of life
through pioneering research and innovative
education in the fields of health and nutrition,
sustainable agricultural systems and a viable environment.
Wageningen Plant Sciences Group (PSG) is a
Wageningen UR consortium, bringing together the
expertise of Wageningen University and the
research institutes Plant Research International
(PRI) and PPO (Applied Plant Research). The
current project was developed by a project team
consisting of researchers from PSG-business units
BioScience and Greenhouse Horticulture and the
chair groups ‘Crop and Weed Ecology’ and ‘Horticultural Production Chains’.
Job description
The use of genomic information in plant studies
can be enhanced if environmental effects on gene
expression are known. The PhD will use genetic
and molecular information from systems biology,
in combination with effects of environmental
factors, to analyze, simulate and predict tomato
fruit growth. With these data we expect a
substantial improvement of the model-based,
genotype-specific prediction of yield and quality
in tomato crop. Fruit development will be
modelled on the basis of cell division and cell
expansion processes. These processes will be
related to genetic regulation, temperature and
carbohydrate metabolism. The main tasks of the
PhD include (i) to construct a model on cell
division, (ii) to adapt an existing model on cell
elongation, (iii) to extend an existing tomato
crop growth model with these modules on cell
division and elongation. (iv) to experimentally
determine fruit growth response to temperature
and assimilate supply, (v) to determine activity
of transcription factors by reverse transcription
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and (vi) to
write a PhD thesis, based on publications in
high-ranking international scientific journals.
Requirements
We are looking for a result-driven person with
* a university degree at MSc level in a
relevant field (e.g. functional genomics, systems
biology, theoretical biology, plant breeding, plant/crop physiology);
* experience with building and application of simulation models;
* a CV clearly reflecting an interest in
quantitative approaches in plant biology or crop production;
* proficiency in and affinity with working
with computers and laboratory equipment;
* good communication skills, needed to
communicate with researchers from various research disciplines.
Conditions of employment
Start: preferably March 2007
Estimated maximum salary per month: € 1933 in the
first year rising to € 2472 in the fourth year.
Duration of the contract: for a period of one
year with a possible extension of three years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy and the
project proposal can be obtained from:
Dr P.H.B. de Visser, telephone number: + 31 317 475822
E-mail address: <mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
Prof dr ir P.C. Struik, telephone number: + 31 317 484246
E-mail address: [log in to unmask]
Application
You can apply for this job before 15 February
2007 by sending your application to:
Wageningen UR, Plant Sciences Group, Mrs A.M.D.
Bikker, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen,
The Netherlands, e-mail address:
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number DPW 07-02.
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Gerrit Hoogenboom
Professor &
Coordinator of Research, Extension and Instruction
Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
The University of Georgia
165 Gordon Futral Court
Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797, USA
1-770-229-3438 (voice); 1-770-228-7218 (fax)
mailto:[log in to unmask]
www.Georgiaweather.net
www.GerritHoogenboom.com
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