Dear Colleague,Please find attached an advertisement for a postdoc position to work on the genetics of pollination syndromes in Petunia. I would be grateful if you could post it in your department and bring it to the attention of suitable candidates.Best wishes,Cris KuhlemeierProf. Cris KuhlemeierInstitute of Plant SciencesUniversity of BernAltenbergrainrain 21CH-3013 BernSwitzerlandTel: +41 31 631 4913Email: cris.kuhlemeier@ips.unibe.ch----------------------------------------------------------------
Postdoctoral Position
Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
Molecular Genetics of Scent Production in Petunia
Position: Postdoctoral fellow
Starting date: The position is available immediately
Project duration: 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years
Salary: According to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation
Project description: The genus Petunia comprises closely related species with different pollination syndromes. P. axillaris has white, scented flowers and is pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths. Hummingbird-pollinated P. exserta flowers are red, non-scented and differ in floral morphology. We are interested in the molecular-genetic basis of the evolutionary shift between these pollination syndromes. The project will focus on the evolution of loss and gain of scent production (see Klahre et al. Curr Biol 21: 730, 2011).
The successful applicant will undertake the molecular identification of the genes(s) underlying a major scent QTL involved in the shift from moth to hummingbird pollination syndromes. Techniques include classical and molecular genetics, high-throughput transcriptomics and bioinformatics. In addition, pollinator choice assays with near isogenic lines will be performed under controlled laboratory conditions as well as in the natural habitat.
This is an opportunity to join a small and active research group where individually- and collaboratively-generated research questions will be developed and addressed.
Requirements: PhD in molecular genetics, quantitative genetics or molecular ecology. Strong background in bioinformatics is an asset.
Application: The single PDF file should include curriculum vitae, copies of diplomas and transcripts, motivation letter and contact details of three references.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Address of application:
Prof. Cris Kuhlemeier
Institute of Plant Sciences
Altenbergrain 21
CH-3013 Bern
tel. +41 31 631 4913
e-mail cris.kuhlemeier(at)ips.unibe.ch
Further inquiries about the position are welcomed.
Links:
http://www.botany.unibe.ch/deve/research/projects/pollinator.php
http://www.botany.unibe.ch/deve/publications/reprint/CurrBiol_21_730.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o1BcisZPBqg
