Postdoctoral Position
Ecological relevance of a natural genetic variation in root system morphology in Arabidopsis thaliana The phenotypic variation observed between individuals or populations is partly the result of exposure to different environments and partly the result of genetic differences. Genetic differences drive adaptive evolution of organisms to changes in environmental conditions. We have exploited natural genetic variation to isolate a novel regulator of root system morphology in the model plant system Arabidopsis thaliana, the BREVIS RADIX (BRX) gene (Mouchel, Briggs & Hardtke 2004, Genes & Development, 18: 700-714). BRX is a novel plant-specific gene and the founding member of the highly conserved BRX gene family. The activities of the corresponding proteins are currently being investigated. As part of an interdisciplinary project between the groups of Christian Hardtke (http://www.unil.ch/dbmv ) and Giorgina Bernasconi ( www.unil.ch/dee">http://www.unil.ch/dee), a postdoctoral position is available to study natural genetic variation in root morphology in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The successful candidate will test whether the naturally occurring loss-of-function BRX allele confers an adaptive advantage in its natural habitat or in particular physiological conditions. This will include analysis of competition within- and between genotypes in tissue culture and greenhouse experiments, and mapping of BRX genotypes in natural populations. Funding is available for two years, beginning October 2005. Applications are invited from scientists with skills and interests in plant evolutionary ecology, experimental design and statistical analysis. Basic skills in molecular biology would be a plus. Please send your application including a cover letter detailing research interests and experience, a CV, and contact information of two references to both Christian Hardtke and Giorgina Bernasconi. For more information, please contact Christian.Hardtke@xxxxxxx or Giorgina.Bernasconi@xxxxxxx. University of Lausanne provides excellent facilities, a lively intellectual and social environment and is beautifully located in Switzerland at the shore of Lake Geneva. |