Project Leader Training in Wheat Field-Genetics
The John Innes Centre is an international centre for studies on wheat
genetics and genomics, and has a long history of notable
contributions in this field. The strength of the research has been
to take genetic and genomic discoveries in the laboratory out into
the field, and to identify variation in the field useful for
genetical and molecular analysis in the lab. We now wish to recruit
individuals who will develop research programmes involving
identification of novel and useful traits in the field, development
of novel germplasm from exotic parents, and use aneuploid and
conventional forms of genetic analysis to identify new genes
controlling biologically interesting and agronomically important
traits. Their long-term aim would be to develop novel breeding
paradigms for the benefit of wheat breeding.
We hope to attract ambitious scientists currently trained in crop or
other disciplines who see the huge potential at the moment in
translating fundamental discoveries in plants to important advances
in breeding and crop production. Initially, they will undertake a
five-year training period in wheat field genetics working closely
with existing JIC scientists on pre-established programmes. However,
the aim is that they develop their own groups contributing
field-based activities to interdisciplinary groupings of JIC
scientists focused on key agronomic problems. In the longer term,
they will provide the interface between JIC and the UK cereal
industry, through individual one-on-one projects and involvement in
the Wheat Genetic Improvement Network (WGIN), and develop national
and international collaborations with major centres such as INRA and
CIMMYT.
The job descriptions described below are for ongoing projects and are
likely to form the basis of the research the successful applicant
would undertake. However, other areas of research are also possible
depending on the previous experience of the applicant.
Project 1: Genetic control of yield potential in UK wheats
1. To identify major genes and QTL controlling yield potential
in UK and exotic wheat germplasm by exploiting existing recombinant
doubled haploid populations and backcross inbred line populations.
Traits under study would include grain size, leaf area duration,
tillering ability. New recombinant germplasm based on aneuploid and
doubled haploids would also be developed.
2. To link genetic variation for these target traits with
molecular and physiological studies underpinning yield variation for
both source and sink traits such as stem carbohydrate reserves, leaf
senescence, water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency.
Project 2: Genetic control of end-use quality in UK wheats
1. To identify major genes and QTL controlling aspects of
end-use quality in UK and exotic winter wheats, including
bread-making quality, animal-feed suitability, and industrial
processing through exploiting existing recombinant doubled haploid
populations and backcross inbred line populations. Traits under study
would include non-storage protein components of bread-making quality,
grain texture, grain protein content, starch composition.
2. To carry out crossing programmes to develop new recombinant
germplasm based on aneuploid and doubled haploid approaches to
genetic analysis.
The projects will require an energetic and enthusiastic post-doctoral
scientist with excellent experience and background in genetics and
molecular biology, and knowledge of genetical analysis in the
genomics era. However, this need not be in wheat or even a crop
species and we would encourage applicants from a range of backgrounds
who have the enthusiasm and dedication to make a difference to crop
genetics, and a strong willingness to take genomics studies from the
lab into the field. We would expect them to display excellent
communication skill so that they can interact with the plant genetics
and plant breeding communities in the UK and abroad.
Application forms and further information are available from our web
site
<http://www.jic.ac.uk/corporate/vacancies/project-leader.htm>http://www.jic.ac.uk/corporate/vacancies/project-leader.htm
or from the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor John Snape
(<mailto:john.snape at bbsrc.ac,uk>john.snape at bbsrc.ac,uk) and can be
returned to us by either e-mail to
<mailto:jic.personnel at bbsrc.ac.uk?subject=Project%20Leader%20application>jicpers at bbsrc.ac.uk
or by post to The Human Resources Department, John Innes Centre,
Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UH quoting post
reference number 14 63/88. The closing date for applications will be
30 April 2005.
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The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No223852) grant-aided
by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is
an Equal Opportunities Employer.
