Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Epigentics of Aphids

The research relates to broadening our understanding of the molecular interaction between plants and aphids during compatible and incompatible interactions. The role that aphid effectors, small interfering molecules, aphid symbionts, and the phytobiome associated with aphids play during aphid virulence development is likely an important factor driving the evolutionary armsrace in favour of the aphid. Of particular interest are epigenetic modifications that likely provide a means whereby new aphid biotypes that display limited genetic variation, owing to an anholocyclic lifecycles, can develop. DNA methylation has been shown to be a contributing factor involved in organismal adaption to changing environments and therefore is expected to be influential in the development of new aphid biotypes.

This research is conducted within the Cereal Genomic Research Programme, with international partnerships and industry support, and carries an associated full grant-holder linked bursary for the successful applicant.

Host:

This will be a collaborative project between the Cereal Genomic Research Programme, with international partnerships and industry support, and Stellenbosch University.

Requirement:

• PhD (must have graduated within the last five years);

• Proven experience in research related to aphid-plant interactions, functional genomics (qPCR, viral induced gene silencing, degradome analysis, etc.), Y2H studies, and the analyses of large data sets;
• Proven experience in molecular biology techniques in the field of functional genomics;
• Previous experience in studying and characterising resistance genes in plants;
• The ability to report on results and data on an international level, as well as maintaining and participating in international collaborations;
• Familiarity with arthropod genomes, DNA methylation, siRNA and microRNA;

• Computing literacy, with emphasis on genomics platforms, e.g. Geneious, the CLC Bio genomics workbench, or Bioconductor.

Recommendation:

• Previous experience in student supervision and involvement in undergraduate teaching.

Please note that postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees and their fellowships are awarded tax free. They are therefore not eligible for employee benefits. 

Commencement of duties:

As soon as possible

Closing date:

20 February 2018