JOHN INNES CENTRE - Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Genetic Control of Inflorescence Development in Cereal Grasses

Ref: 1370

Plant shoots are characterized by indeterminate growth from undifferentiated cells in the shoot meristem, at the apex of the plant. These cells give rise to derivatives from which lateral organs are recruited. The shoot meristem is established early in embryogenesis. Following germination leaves are formed during vegetative development, after which there is a transition to reproductive development or flowering. Reproductive development is typically correlated with changes in meristem morphology and gene expression patterns. The pattern of initiation, the identity and determinacy of lateral meristems produced in the reproductive shoot determines the architecture of the inflorescence.

Our current understanding of the genetic regulation of plant shoot development has greatly expanded in recent years, largely due to studies in the model dicot Arabidopsis thaliana. In contrast very little is known about shoot development in large genome cereal crops. This research project will utilize information from model dicot systems as well as maize and rice to study inflorescence development in barley and wheat. The aim is to identify conserved and evolutionary divergent gene functions using both forward and reverse genetics. The research aims are of broad significance as the outcome of the work will increase our understanding of evolutionary and developmental processes as well as increase our knowledge of inflorescence development in key grain crop species.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant biological science subject. Experience in molecular biology, plant genetics and/or sequence analysis is essential. Experience in microscopy techniques would be desirable. The post is expected to be for a period of 3 years. Salary on appointment will be within the range £21,700 to £25,200 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. JIC offers a choice of a final salary and stakeholder pensions.

To Apply: Application forms can be obtained by writing to the Personnel Officer, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UH, or from our web site http://www.jic.bbsrc.ac.uk/corporate/Vacancies/Vacancies.htm please quote the relevant reference number on all correspondence.

For further information write to
Dr. Mary Byrne
e-mail mary.byrne@bbsrc.ac.uk.