Postdoctoral Position
INRA, Versailles, France
A 2-year postdoctoral research position is available starting September
2007 to study the molecular mechanisms of fertility restoration in the
Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system. CMS is a maternally
inherited trait in higher plants that prevents the production of
functional pollen. The Ogura CMS, initially found in radish and later
transferred to rapeseed, is controlled by the expression of the orf138
mitochondrial locus. The expression of orf138 can be suppressed by the
Rfo gene product, whose presence in the nuclear genome restores male
fertility. The Rfo gene was recently cloned and revealed to code for a
PentratricoPeptide Repeats protein. The position will concern the
biochemical characterization of the restorer protein to better
understand the mechanisms by which Rfo prevents the synthesis of ORF138.
PPR repeat containing proteins have been found to be major players in
organelle gene expression and were shown to be involved in various
aspects of RNA processing. By extension, the characterization of Rfo
will provide key elements to better understand the molecular activities
of this exciting protein family, especially the way they functionally
interact with specific RNA targets.
Candidate will work at the Versailles Center of the National Institute
for Agronomical Research (INRA), which possesses state-of-the-art
research equipments, and facilities devoted to post-genomic
technologies, including cell imaging, functional proteomics, transgenic
plants etc…
Candidates with strong background in biochemistry/molecular biology and
related research experience are especially encouraged to apply.
Extensive experience with RNA purification will be an advantage. Salary
will be commensurate with experience. To be eligible, candidates should
not be French. To apply, send resume and a cover letter describing your
interests, as well as names and contact information of two references to
mireau from versailles.inra.fr
Web sites for more information:
http://www-ijpb.versailles.inra.fr/en/institut/generalites.htmhttp://www-ijpb.versailles.inra.fr/en/sgap/equipes/organites/index.htm
