Postdoctoral position available

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A postdoctoral position is available in the group Evolutionary genomics of plant mating systems of the Evolution, Ecology, and Paleontology laboratory of the Lille University, directed by Prof Dr Xavier Vekemans.

Within the group, the Asteraceae self-incompatibility team, headed by Prof Dr Theo Hendriks and Dr Marie-Christine Quillet, studies the molecular-genetic mechanism underlying sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI) in Asteraceae, using chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a model. In SSI pollen tube germination of pollen from the same plant is inhibited as the result of the recognition of self-pollen by the stigma. In chicory, SSI is under genetic control of a single multi-allelic locus, the S-locus, harboring genes encoding the stigma and pollen determinants involved in the recognition. Genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, and population genetic analyses have allowed the identification of an S-locus candidate gene for the stigma determinant, and similar approaches to identify a candidate gene for the pollen determinant are in progress.

The major task of the successful applicant is to validate the role of S-locus candidate genes in chicory by complementation and knock-out strategies.

The project is part of a work-package in the EU H2020 project CHIC (2018-2023) that aims to develop chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes using new plant breeding techniques and in which the development of self-compatible chicory is an important step.

The successful applicant will be member of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of molecular and population geneticists and evolutionary biologists.

What we ask for

– A PhD in molecular biology or molecular genetics
– Experience and practical skills in plant in vitro culture techniques
– Experience in the application of a range of molecular biology methods, ideally including genetic transformation techniques in non-model plants
– Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
– Ability to communicate effectively with team members and collaborators (French and English)

What we offer

– A fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of a one year extension.
– Salary will commensurate with experience and includes full social benefits.
– Excellent laboratory and greenhouse facilities
– Stimulating scientific environment with colleagues having longstanding experience in SSI in Brassiceae and other mating systems (androdioecy, gynodioecy)

Interested candidates should send a CV, a cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information for at least two references to: theo.hendriks@univ-lille1.fr

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CHIC project at the European Researchers’ Night in Belgrade

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The Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” has presented the CHIC project at European Researchers’ Night 2018, held in Belgrade, september 28th – 29th.

The Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” team members, dr Jovana Petrović and Marija Smiljković, presented the beneficial effects of chicory plants and chicory products on human health, available at local markets (coffee substitute etc.). And dr Milica Bogdanović and dr Milan Dragićević, presented chicory plants grown in vitro, chicory root cultures and explained the visitors the main goals of the Project.

The presentation was set at “European Corner”.

The European Researchers’ Night is an event dedicated to popular science and fun learning. The Researchers’ Night is a unique opportunity to meet researchers, talk to them, and find out what they really do for society, in interactive and engaging ways such as hands-on experiments, science shows, learning activities for children, guided visits of research labs, science quizzes, games, or competitions with researchers.

The European Researchers’ Night takes place every year all over Europe and in neighbouring countries the last Friday of September. This year, the Night will take place on Friday 29 September in over 300 cities. The events are supported by the European Commission as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which is an EU funding programme to boost the careers of researchers.

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CHIC project at European Researchers’ Night in Madrid

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The European Researchers’ Night is a Marie Sklodowska Curie (MSCA) action, under the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. It consists of a pan-European event taking place on the last Friday night of September.

In this edition, Macarena Sanz, General Director of IDConsortium, was presenting our project at Fundación Giner de los Ríos, together with another european project Newcotiana and Lluis Montoliu from SEBBM – Sociedad Española de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular.

The European Researchers’ Night Madrid is managed by Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d. Education, Youth and Sports Regional Department of Regional Government of Madrid.

Objectives:

• Bring the researchers closer to the general public.
• Increase awareness of the research and innovation activities with a view to supporting the public recognition of researchers.
• Create an understanding of the impact of researchers’ work on daily life.
• Encourage young people to embark on scientific careers.

Great Night!

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