[Arabidopsis] Postdoctoral position at INRA, Angers, FRANCE

[Jerome BOVE]

*Characterization of the regulatory networks governing desiccation 
tolerance and longevity during seed maturation.*

The ability of a seed to germinate rapidly and uniformly under different 
environmental conditions is an important agronomical trait, ensuring 
homogenous seedling establishment needed for optimal crop production. A 
key factor that contributes to physiological quality is the capacity of 
seeds to tolerate desiccation and to remain alive for extended periods 
of time in the dry state (i.e. longevity), traits that are acquired 
during the maturation phase, at the end of seed filling. Changes in 
environmental conditions during maturation affect seed longevity and 
cause considerable loss to the seed industry. Information on the 
molecular processes underlying the acquisition of longevity during 
maturation and the influence of environmental factors on this 
acquisition will provide tools to monitor and predict physiological seed 
quality before harvest, an issue that is particularly important in the 
context of climate change.

The project proposes a large-scale acquisition and integration of data 
using a number of previously developed physiological models related to 
the acquisition and loss of desiccation tolerance and longevity in seeds 
of Medicago truncatula, one of the genetic and genomic model species for 
legumes. Transcriptomic datasets will be generated using a new and 
comprehensive array designed in this project, together with the 
acquisition of metabolite profiles. Using this information, the 
postdoctoral fellow will create underlying regulatory networks to 
highlight putative key hubs involved in the regulation of seed survival 
in the dry state. The network will be validated through functional 
analysis of insertion or TILLING mutants of M. truncatula. Generated 
datasets will also serve as a basis for the identification of "molecular 
signatures" in relation to the complex traits related to desiccation 
tolerance and longevity, which can be further developed into diagnostic 
and predictive tools.

The candidate will hold a Ph.D. in molecular biology with proven record 
in bioinformatics and systems biology. Conversely, she/he will hold a 
Ph.D. in bioinformatics with technical competences in molecular biology 
and functional genomics. Knowledge of plant or seed biology is an asset. 
French citizens are not eligible.

Duration: *24 months, starting October 2011.*
Location: UMR 1191 Molecular Seed Physiology, Angers, France

Applicants should provide a letter of interest, a complete CV, and three 
reference letters.

The requested information should be send to *Dr. Julia Buitink 
(julia.buitink from angers.inra.fr)*, UMR Molecular Seed Physiology, 16 Bd 
Lavoisier, 49045 Angers, France. (tel +33 241 22 55 44).