Postdoctoral position RNAi

[Maria J. Harrison]

Post-doctoral position (2005-5)

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY 
(<http://bti.cornell.edu/>http://bti.cornell.edu)

Mycorrhizal symbiosis
Background: Most vascular flowering plants are able to form symbioses 
with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The associations develop in the 
roots where the fungus acquires carbon from the plant and assists 
that plant with the acquisition of phosphate from the soil. 
Development of the symbiosis requires the active participation of 
both partners and the fungal and plant cells undergo coordinate 
differentiation to create specialized symbiotic interfaces over which 
nutrients are exchanged.
             The research in our lab aims to understand the molecular 
basis of the symbiosis and we use a model legume, Medicago truncatula 
and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus versiforme and Glomus 
intraradices for our analyses. Transcriptional profiling studies have 
identified M. truncatula genes whose expression is induced during 
development of the symbiosis. The next stage of the program is to use 
RNAi to assess the role of these genes in development of the 
symbiosis. This is in progress and a number of genes essential for 
the AM symbiosis have been identified. The post-doctoral position is 
to participate in the large-scale RNAi screening for genes required 
for the AM symbiosis in M. truncatula.
             Applicants must have a strong publication record and 
demonstrated expertise in plant molecular biology, genetics or cell 
biology. Experience with high throughput functional genomics 
technologies is an advantage. To apply: Send a letter summarizing 
research interests, a CV and names of 3 references to Maria J. 
Harrison  (<mailto:mjh78 at cornell.edu>mjh78 at cornell.edu) or via mail 
to The  Boyce Thompson Institute, Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, Attn: 
Maria Harrison, Job # 2005-5.

  The Boyce Thompson Institute is a non-profit research institute 
affiliated with and located on the central Cornell University campus 
in Ithaca, New York.



EOE M/F/D/V



Maria J. Harrison, Ph.D.
Scientist,  Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research
Professor (Adjunct), Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research
Tower Road
Ithaca, NY 14853-1801

phone:  (607) 254-6472
fax:	  (607) 254-6779
email:   mjh78 at cornell.edu