PhD Student in Crop Population Genetics University of Amsterdam

August 1, 2008

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PhD student in crop population genetics
(vacancy number 08-1036).

to work on the project

â€œPotential ecosystem effects of future GM crop introductions through
establishment of crop/wild hybrids or feral populationsâ€.

One aspect of Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) of transgenic crops
involves the introduction of the transgene in natural environments
through outcrossing with a wild relative or through the establishment of
feral populations. In the current project the likelihood of an expansion
of hybrid/feral plants as well as the associated and potentially adverse
effects on the ecosystem will be studied. The experimental systems are
(i) hybrids between crop and wild lettuce (Lactuca sativa and L.
serriola, resp.) as a model for crop/wild hybridisation, and (ii)
Brassica napus as a model feral system. We specifically focus on abiotic
stress related to salinity and drought.

Tasks
The project focuses on experiments using different types of
manipulations: changes to the local densities of plants, establishing
new populations within and outside the current range, and
creating experimental populations in â€˜oasesâ€^TM where they are not exposed
to the stress of the surrounding environment (no transgenic plants will
be introduced to the field). The work involves designing experiments,
selecting and creating experimental plots, collecting data, specifically
on the impact of the experiment on other species (pollinators,
herbivores) and statistical analyses of the results. Results will be
published in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements
â€¢ Master in biology, with emphasis on population genetics, evolutionary biology or
plant physiology
â€¢ Good training in the planning, execution and statistical analysis of
(field) experiments
â€¢ Ability to work together in a research team
â€¢ Driving license is recommended

Further information
For additional information and project description, please contact:
Dr. Danny Hooftman, d.a.p.hooftman@.uva.nl, tel. +31 20 5257817, or
Prof. dr. Peter van Tienderen, ph.vantienderen@uva.nl, tel. +31 20 5257896.

Appointment
The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of
four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive
evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).

An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses
and (international) meetings. PhD students are also expected to assist
in teaching undergraduates. The salary is in accordance with the
university regulations for academic personnel (Collective Labour
Agreement) and will range from â‚¬ 2,000.- (first year) up to a maximum of
â‚¬ 2,558.- (last year) gross per month (scale P).

Job application
Applications should include a detailed CV including a list of
publications, a motivation letter, and the names and contact addresses
of two references from which information can be obtained. Please mark
â€˜strictly confidentialâ€^TM and quote the vacancy number (08-1036) in the
upper left-hand corner of the envelope.

Applications should be sent before August 25th 2008 to: Universiteit van
Amsterdam, Faculty of Science â€” dept. PZ, attn: Drs. S.H.M. Jongerius,
Kruislaan 404, 1098 SM Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Applications can also be e-mailed to: application-science@uva.nl. Please
quote the vacancy number (08-1036) in the subject field.

Universiteit van Amsterdam

The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) is a university with an
internationally acclaimed profile, located at the heart of the Dutch
capital. As well as a world centre for business and research, Amsterdam
is a hub of cultural and media activities. The Universiteit van
Amsterdam is a member of the League of European Research Universities.

The Faculty of Science at the UvA is one of Europe’s foremost
institutions of higher education and research in its chosen fields of
specialization. It plays an active role in international science
networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty
has approximately 2,000 students and 1,500 staff members spread over
four departments and ten research institutes. Each institute has its own
research programme, a substantial part of which is externally funded by
the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch
government, the EU and various private enterprises.

The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of
the ten research institutes of the Faculty of Science. IBED covers a
wide range of subjects, in both fundamental and applied research. Our
scientific studies aim at a better understanding of the dynamics of
ecosystems at all relevant levels, from genes to climate change, using a
truly multidisciplinary approach.

–
D.A.P. Hooftman, Ph.D.
Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics,
Universiteit van Amsterdam
D.A.P.Hooftman@uva.nl
Homepage: http://remote.science.uva.nl/~hooftman/

Scholarship Tags: Crop, Genetics, PhD, Population, Student