EU-funded PhD position on auxin transport and metabolism in plant roots

Mapping auxin transport and metabolism in roots of monocot plants

Laboratory:

The auxin group of Jan Petrášek within the Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants (http://lhr.ueb.cas.cz) focuses on the regulatory mechanisms defining the levels of auxin within plant cells. We use a spectrum of advanced microscopy approaches, hormonal analytics, molecular cloning, high-throughput transcriptomics and proteomics, and auxin transport assays.

Project description:

Plant hormone auxin co-ordinates the development of sessile plant body. The setting of auxin concentration gradients in the plant tissues depends on its biosynthesis, metabolism and intra- and intercellular transport. The understanding of how these processes contributes to the plant development is largely based on our long lasting experience with the models plant Arabidopsis thaliana and cultured cells of Nicotiana tabacum. To orient this research to crop plants, here we propose to perform a set of pioneering experiments that would allow us to map processes of auxin biosynthesis, metabolism and transport during the growth of young root of the model monocot crop plant Hordeum vulgare. The dynamics of individual auxin carriers and auxin biosynthesis and metabolism enzymes will be tested using both available and freshly generated marker lines.

Requirements:

- MSc in biology, biochemistry or biophysics, not necessarily plant biology focused

- Strong motivation for basic research in plant molecular biology

- Curiosity, enthusiasm, excellent self-organization, and communication skills

- Excellent knowledge of the English language

- The desire to try advanced microscopic methods is an advantage

Offerings:

- 4-year funded PhD position with salary at the Institute of Experimental Botany and PhD scholarship from doctoral study programme at the Faculty of Science, Charles University

- Involvement in the TANGENC project, which brings together all major laboratories of advanced plant research in the Czech Republic

- Vit al laboratory with young colleagues, friendly environment of other collaborating laboratories in the Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR, the leading plant science institution in the Czech Republic.

- Strong emphasis on the support the career trajectory of candidates towards their scientific independence

- Continuous support of Euraxess (https://www.euraxess.cz/)

Applications:

Please send by April 22, 2024 to petrasek@ueb.cas.cz a short motivation statement, detailed CV, and two contacts for providing a support letter or supervision feedback report.