POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN MOLECULAR PLANT-RHIZOBIA INTERACTIONS
SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
REFERENCE NUMBER. 839/0512
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a collaborative Australian Research Council discovery funded project that will explore the interaction between legumes and rhizobia that occurs across a specialised membrane, the symbiosome membrane and involves ion transporters to facilitate exchange of energy and nutrients for nitrogen.
This is an opportunity to work closely with Dr Penelope Smith and Prof Robyn Overall who have expertise in plant molecular and cell biology. You will share a passion for understanding intercellular and intracellular communication in plants and be willing to be involved in national and international collaborations.
The legume–rhizobia symbiosis allows plants to grow without the addition of N fertilisers and is one of the most economically important of all symbioses in the plant kingdom. The symbiosome is central to the interaction; it is an organelle where bacteria, rhizobia, fix atmospheric N and is surrounded by the plant-derived symbiosome membrane (SM). The SM controls nutrient exchange between the symbionts, and thus effectively controls the symbiosis. In return for fixed N, the plant provides the bacteria with reduced carbon as an energy source. After completing a proteomic study of the symbiosome membrane we are now characterizing transporters for these and other inorganic nutrients at a molecular and biochemical level.
Specifically, we aim to:
- identify proteins on the symbiosome membrane that are important for the exchange of nutrients between legumes and rhizobia
- confirm their localisation on the symbiosome membrane
- establish which nutrients and metabolites they transport
- use this knowledge to establish how nutrient transfer between bacteria and plants is regulated during N fixation and the implications for this in terms of the symbiotic relationship.
You must have:
- PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely-related discipline
- advanced molecular biology skills
- skills in bioinformatic analysis of genomes, genes and protein
- published research as sole author or in collaboration
- the ability to conduct research under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team
- good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to supervise students at a postgraduate and undergraduate level.
We are particularly looking for a molecular biologist with experience working on nodulation; microscopy of plant cells; plant biochemistry; or characterising transport proteins in yeast, oocytes, plant or animal cells.
The position is full-time fixed term for two years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.
Remuneration package: $92K p.a. including $78K p.a. base salary, leave loading and up to 17% superannuation. Some support towards relocation and visa sponsorship will be available for the successful appointee if required.
All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/positions and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.
CLOSING DATE: 29 August 2012 (Sydney time 11:30PM)