A permanent, full-time research position is open at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Agronomy Unit, Clermont-Ferrand.

Specialities: Plant Ecophysiology, Crop Science
Job: Type Permanent Government, 2ND Class Junior Scientist (CR2)
Salary: Eu 2011.49 to Eu 2499.94 depending upon qualification and experience
Location: Agronomy Unit, INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, France

Related Web Sites http://www.inra.fr/ea http://compact.jouy.inra.fr/compact/CONSULTER/INTER/external/unites/ecrans/874

Topic: Ecophysiological and genetic determinants of wheat quality.

Full Description: The French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) is seeking innovative, self-motivated, scientifically outstanding candidates for a Junior Scientist position. The position will be based at INRA Research Centre, Clermont-Ferrand. The candidate will join a group of scientists (4 research scientists, 5 research assistants) in the Agronomy Unit actively working on wheat ecophysiology with emphasis on environmental stability of wheat yield and quality traits. The successful candidate will have to develop his or her research on nitrogen metabolism responses of wheat plant to environmental and genetic variations in close collaboration with the Joint Research Unit for Plant Breeding and Health at INRA Clermont-Ferrand. The initial research program will analyse, and then model, environmental and genetic responses of post-anthesis nitrogen remobilisation and uptake to (1) plant nitrogen and carbon status (size and distribution of labile nitrogen and carbon pools) (2) the dynamic of leaf senescence. These researches will first be carried out with well characterised genetic materials (parents of recombinant inbred lines, isogenic or transgenic lines). In a second time, genetic determinants of the studied traits will be analysed using recombinant inbreed lines. The results of these researches should identify physiological traits associated with improved stability of grain protein concentration while conserving high grain yield potential. The successful candidate will have access to modern laboratory and experimental facilities (well characterised field plots, growth chambers, outdoor controlled condition chambers, and biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories).

Experience and Education Requirements: A PhD in Plant Ecophysiology or Crop Science is required. A Post-doctoral experience is strongly desirable. Expertise in plant ecophysiology concepts and methods applicable to the study of carbon and nitrogen fluxes is requested. Ideal applicant would have experience with stable isotope labelling and modelling of assimilate transport and metabolism. Ideal applicant would have also theoretical knowledge in plant genetic, and/or functional genomic. Proficiency in spoken and written English would be considered an asset. Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team is critical.

Application Instructions
INRA recruits through competitive recruitment. Specific application procedures and requirements can be found at: http://www.inra.fr/drh/js06/bdd/infos.htm

A copy of the vacancy announcement is available at: http://www.inra.fr/drh/js06/bdd/profil.php?codeprofil=CR2-2006-1-EA-2

There is no age limit requirement and candidates of any nationality may apply.

Timetable
- Competition date for applications: December 13, 2005
- Submission deadline for application package (including both administrative and scientific files): February 27, 2006. Please note that application forms will be available until February 24, 2006.
- Competition: Spring 2006
- Pre-selections: April-May 2006
- Oral tests: May-June 2006
- Appointments starting date: from July 2006

Contact For information on the research program and/or more details on the position, contact Dr. Pierre Martre by phone at +33 473 624 351, or by email at pmartre@clermont.inra.fr.