The Biosystems Division at Risø DTU has an open PhD position within a project to study mechanisms behind mycorrhiza-induced growth depression in grasses and methods to mitigate such depressions. The project is embedded in the Ecosystems Programme (ECO) focusing on interactions between ecosystems, energy production and climate change.
Project description
Growth depressions caused by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are frequently observed in cereals and other grasses in mesocosms and may result in ‘hidden’ yield losses in the field. Such growth depressions are usually assigned to carbon drain by the fungi but this is poorly supported by experimental evidence. This project shall test the new hypothesis that AMF-colonised plants become P limited due to impaired function of direct P uptake at the root surface. The project shall also investigate methods to mitigate this assumed loss-of-efficiency in P uptake. Two crop plants with contrasting patterns of mycorrhizal growth response, ryegrass and lucerne, will be studied in parallel with the sequenced model plants, Brachypodium distachyon and Medicago truncatula.
Qualifications
We seek an energetic and skilled candidate with a Master’s degree in plant biology or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the Master’s degree in plant biology. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, will have demonstrated ability to work independently, and will have experience in the use of molecular-physiological methods. Experimental experience with plant-microbe interactions is an advantage but not a requirement. Ability for easy going communication (English) and mutual commitment to effective team work are highly desired. The work requires a driving licence.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Salary and appointment terms
Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years with start on 1 April 2011. The places of work are Risø DTU and DLF Trifolium.
Further information
Further information about the project may be obtained from Iver Jakobsen, ivja@risoe.dtu.dk, tel. +45/46774154. You can also read more about the Biosystems Division and Risø DTU at risoe.dtu.dk.
Application
We must have your online application by 20 December 2010. Please apply online on www.dtu.dk/vacancy and open the link "apply for this job online, fill in the application form and attach the following documents:
a) A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
b) Curriculum vitae
c) Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
d) Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet for the conversion here).
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Project description
Growth depressions caused by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are frequently observed in cereals and other grasses in mesocosms and may result in ‘hidden’ yield losses in the field. Such growth depressions are usually assigned to carbon drain by the fungi but this is poorly supported by experimental evidence. This project shall test the new hypothesis that AMF-colonised plants become P limited due to impaired function of direct P uptake at the root surface. The project shall also investigate methods to mitigate this assumed loss-of-efficiency in P uptake. Two crop plants with contrasting patterns of mycorrhizal growth response, ryegrass and lucerne, will be studied in parallel with the sequenced model plants, Brachypodium distachyon and Medicago truncatula.
- Your PhD project will focus on Brachypodium-related parts of the project:*
- Physiological characterisation of P uptake via two pathways (direct and AMF-mediated) in Brachypodium distachyon grown at ambient and elevated CO2
- Isolation and expression analysis of Pi transporter genes and miRNAs in AMF-colonised plants and their relationship to plant P uptake in Brachypodium model and Lolium perenne crop plants
- Transformation of B. distachyon with a subset of selected candidate genes using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
- Characterization of P uptake by transgenic plants and contribution to the development of model for regulatory mechanisms underlying mycorrhizal growth responses in crops
Qualifications
We seek an energetic and skilled candidate with a Master’s degree in plant biology or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the Master’s degree in plant biology. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, will have demonstrated ability to work independently, and will have experience in the use of molecular-physiological methods. Experimental experience with plant-microbe interactions is an advantage but not a requirement. Ability for easy going communication (English) and mutual commitment to effective team work are highly desired. The work requires a driving licence.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Salary and appointment terms
Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years with start on 1 April 2011. The places of work are Risø DTU and DLF Trifolium.
Further information
Further information about the project may be obtained from Iver Jakobsen, ivja@risoe.dtu.dk, tel. +45/46774154. You can also read more about the Biosystems Division and Risø DTU at risoe.dtu.dk.
Application
We must have your online application by 20 December 2010. Please apply online on www.dtu.dk/vacancy and open the link "apply for this job online, fill in the application form and attach the following documents:
a) A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
b) Curriculum vitae
c) Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
d) Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet for the conversion here).
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.