SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD position in RNA research (Halle (Saale))

The DFG-funded research-training group GRK1591 is seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a high interest in RNA biology focusing on natural antisense long non-coding RNAs in plants. The project will be supervised by Dr. Selma Gago Zachert from the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) Halle/Saale. The IPB has a long tradition in plant biochemistry and an international team of scientist working on the understanding of complex processes related with fungi and plants, and the interplay with their biotic and abiotic environment.

Research topic and the planned project:

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are molecules longer than 200 nucleotides without protein-coding capacity that have been extensively studied in animals. In contrast, the role of lncRNAs in plants is less known. Particularly interesting are Natural Antisense lncRNAs (NAT-lncRNAs), transcribed from the opposite DNA strand of a protein-coding gene. The transcription of opposite complementary RNAs produces dsRNAs, which induce the silencing machinery of the plant leading to the production of a special type of small RNAs.
We aim at determining the role of NAT-lncRNAs in the regulation of the expression of multigene family members. Moreover, we are interested in identify which physiological processes are controlled by these RNAs and their interactors.

The three-year program provides the opportunity to undertake world-class research and gain practical knowledge via interdisciplinary ‘hands-on’ workshops and local/international seminars. Students are expected to participate in conferences and retreats, as well as conduct research that is relevant and rigorous. An additional advantage is the supervision by a thesis committee formed by two additional principal investigators from the GRK1591.

Please send your application to bewerbungen@ipb-halle.de as a single PDF file including:
1. Letter of motivation
2. Brief CV with information about your scientific background
3. Brief summary of fulfillment of entry requirements
4. Copies of diploma/masters certificate/equivalent level of attainment
5. At least one letter of recommendation.

The deadline for this PhD recruitment is the 31st of July 2014. Please refer to application code 7/2014.

For project details, please contact:
Dr. Selma Gago Zachert
Phone: +49 345 5582-1224
e-mail: sgago@ipb-halle.de

Stolzenbach
bewerbungen@ipb-halle.de
Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie
Halle (Saale)

Ansprechpartner: Dr. S. Gago Zachert