POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

[BFORDE at RESA.AFRC.AC.UK]

Three postdoctoral positions are available in the Biochemistry
and Physiology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, from
1st October (or as soon as possible thereafter). The projects are
part of phase II of the AFRC's coordinated programme in Plant
Molecular Biology:

1.   Molecular studies of plant secondary metabolism (ref. 956).
     A three year post to isolate and characterise the gene for
     an enzyme involved in plant monoterpene biosynthesis. A
     yeast expression library will be screened by a novel
     approach in which a histochemical assay is used to assay
     for enzyme activity in the transformed yeast cells. The
     work will involve cDNA library construction, screening,
     sequence analysis and expression studies using northern
     blotting and in situ hybridization. (David Hallahan, 0582
     763133 ext 2264; or Brian Forde, 0582 763133 ext 2238). 

2.   Gene regulation in Arabidopsis (ref. 957). A four year post
     to characterise the primary molecular response to
     environmental nitrate in Arabidopsis roots, using
     subtractive cDNA library construction, DNA sequencing and
     gene expression studies. In addition, nitrate regulatory
     mutants will be sought using a novel screening method
     applied to a transgenic Arabidopsis line. (Brian Forde,
     0582 763133 ext 2238).

3.   Structure and function of the Arabidopsis H+/hexose
     transporter (ref. 958). This three year post will use
     Xenopus oocytes as a heterologous expression system for the
     functional expression of a sugar transporter. The hexose
     transporter expressed in oocytes will be characterised by
     electrophysiological techniques. Site-directed mutagenesis
     of the transporter will then be used to investigate the
     kinetics and regulation of transporter activity. (Tony
     Miller, 0582 763133 ext 2248)

The appointments will be at the Higher Scientific Officer level,
on the salary scale 12,339 - 17,227 (pay award pending).
Applicants should have a BSc Honours degree (First or Upper
Second Class) and at least two years relevant post-qualifying
experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD and
experience in recombinant DNA techniques. Application form
available with further details, from:
Administration Division, AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research,
Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, 0582
763133 ext 2753.
Please quote the relevant reference number. Informal enquiries
to the appropriate grant holder, as indicated above.
(or on email via bforde at UK.AC.ARFC.RESA)