POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITION MOLECULAR GENETICS OF METAL
ALLOCATION IN ARABIDOPSIS
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Laboratory of Elsbeth L. Walker
http://www.bio.umass.edu/faculty/biog/ewalker.html
Two NSF-supported postdoctoral positions are available for a period
of up to three years to study the function of the eight members of
the Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) family of Arabidopsis. YSL proteins
mediate transport of metals bound to nicotianamine. The many roles of
nicotianamine in achieving proper metal ion allocation in plants are
incompletely understood, but there is strong evidence that
nicotianamine is necessary for distribution of Fe, Zn, and Mn via
phloem, and that it is required for transport of Cu in xylem. For the
current project, the functions of the eight Arabidopsis thaliana YSL
genes will be determined from the narrowest definition of
functionóbiochemical function, to the broadest definition of
functionóthe role of these proteins in the growth and development of
the plant. By integrating this information for all eight YSL genes,
we will improve our understanding of metal ion allocation mechanisms
used by plants, and further the goal of manipulating plant metal
allocation for the purposes of phytoremediation and improved value
for human nutrition.
Candidates must have a strong background in molecular biology and/or
biochemistry. Please send a letter outlining your research interests
and accomplishments, a current CV and arrange to have three letters
of reference sent directly to Elsbeth Walker, Biology Dept., 611
North Pleasant St., University of Massachussets, Amherst, MA 01003.
Ph: 413-545-0861; fax: 413 545-3243; e-mail: ewalker at bio.umass.edu.
