PhD-student project (1.0 fte):
VIRTUAL ROSE: Breeding of cut roses using genetic information in functional-structural plant models
Wageningen University, chair group Applied Statistics (Plant Sciences Group)
Vacancy number: DPW 08-49
General information:
Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR) is an internationally 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 is a Wageningen UR consortium, bringing together the expertise of Wageningen University and the research institutes Plant Research International and PPO (Applied Plant Research). Dedicated to the field of plant-related research and education, Wageningen Plant Sciences Group has over 1800 staff members at 17 locations throughout the Netherlands.
This is a joint project of various disciplines within the Plant Sciences Group, notably crop growth modelling, crop physiology, genetics and statistics, in close cooperation with 5 Dutch rose breeding companies and a consultancy company.
The project is subsidised by the Technological Top Institute Green Genetics, the Product Board for Horticulture, the breeding and consultancy companies and WUR.
Requirements:
The candidate should possess a university degree at MSc level (or equivalent) in plant science or theoretical biology with strong interest in quantitative methods, or an MSc in computer science/statistics with a strong interest in biology/plant physiology. He/she should be motivated to combine innovative modelling and advanced data processing, using data from modern molecular-genetic analyses and extensive experimental physiological work. Proficiency in English (both spoken and written), a science-driven curiosity and a practice-orientated attitude are required. We are especially looking for a motivated and result-driven person with large organizational skills who is a team player and possesses excellent communication skills.
Job description:
In this project we will work on new ways of plant breeding to create innovative rose varieties for a sustainable and flourishing flower industry in the Netherlands.
The idea is to develop a genotype-specific virtual plant growth model for roses, based on genetic and phenotypic information from a large collection of different genotypes. The genotypes will be grown by the breeding companies under different conditions in the Netherlands, but also in Asia, Africa and South-America. Genetic (molecular) information will be collected by WUR.
A virtual plant model is a 3D description of a (growing and developing) plant in a computer. Starting point is a generic virtual plant model for roses (virtual plant model) which is currently being developed in a parallel project. The task of the PhD student is to extend this model to a genotype specific virtual plant model.
Crop modeling, plant physiology and genetics are strongly intertwined in this project and will lead to one integrated knowledge model of rose.
Conditions of employment:
Maximum hours per week: 38
Start : From 1 January 2009
Gross salary per month : € 2000 in the first year, increasing to € 2558 in the fourth year.
Location : Wageningen
Duration of the contract : 4 years. The appointment is for a period of four years which period should be finished with a PhD examination. After 18 months, the performance of the candidate will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to expect a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the remaining period.
Additional Information:
Additional information about this position can be obtained from Dr. Leo Marcelis, phone +31 317-485675, E-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Dr Gerie van der Heijden, phone +31 317-480750, E-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Application:
You can apply for this job, before 3-12-2008 by sending your application (preferably by e-mail) to: Mrs N.G. Wondergem, P&O PSG, WUR. E-mail address: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
or use the mail address:
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number DPW 08-49
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dear all,
there is an interesting PhD position available at Wageningen University (attached). We would be glad if you could pas this call to potentially interested candidates
jan vos
Dr ir Jan Vos
Associate Professor Crop and Weed Ecology
Plant Sciences Group – Wageningen University and Research Centre
P.O. Box 430
6700 AK Wageningen
visiting address
Haarweg 333 (building 537)
6709 RZ Wageningen
tel. 0317 - 483042/485315; internat. + 31 317 - 483042/485315
fax 0317 - 485 572; international + 31 317 - 485572
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web: http://www.cwe.wur.nl/UK and www.virtualplant.nl <http://www.virtualplant.nl/>
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