Opportunities

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Molecular Biology and Genetics (BMZ)

Basic purpose:
- Purpose: To join the IRRI team for a project on unraveling the genetic and molecular
basis of flooding tolerance during germination (anaerobic germination, AG) and developing
improved tolerant varieties for direct seeded rice ecosystems. This position is a 3-year post-
doctoral fellowship funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ), Germany.

- Responsibilities:
o To fine map major QTLs for tolerance of AG and validate candidate genes underlying
the AG QTLs;
o To identify QTLs from novel sources of AG tolerance using SSRs, SNPs, and/or
next-generation sequencing;
o To assist in transferring major AG QTLs to popular varieties through marker-assisted
backcrossing;
o To write scientific reports and manuscripts for publication in referred journals;
o To assist in guiding research assistants, technicians and scholars;
o To collaborate with submergence research teams in IRRI and collaborative partner
institutes.

Requirements:
- PhD in plant molecular biology, molecular genetics, biotechnology, molecular
physiology or related field;
- Working experience in molecular biology and transgenic technologies, preferably in
rice;
- Good understanding to retrieve and analyze bioinformatics data, including promoter
motifs, protein domains and microarray expression data;
- Experience in additional molecular techniques, such as BAC library construction, is
an advantage;
- Fluent in oral and written English
- Proven ability to perform in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environments
- German citizen (required by the fellowship sponsor, the BMZ)

How to apply:
- Applications will be received until 21 April 2010 or until a suitable candidate is found.
- Please submit your application via email, including a comprehensive curriculum vitae
(including list of publications), names and e-mail addresses of 3 referees (preferably one
from a German research scientist) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Please indicate the position reference number in the e-mail subject line.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.