Environmental Regulation of RNA, Epigenetic and Metabolic Processes in Plants

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) is dedicated to excellence in research. The mission of the HIE is to generate insights into the impacts of a rapidly changing environment on Australia’s agricultural, natural and managed ecosystems. Our academic staff build on existing national and international reputations in plant molecular (epi) genetics, physiology and terrestrial ecology.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic PhD candidate to research how environmental change affects RNA regulation, epigenetic memory forming processes, cellular communication and secondary metabolism in plants. Research could focus on on the affect of changing temperature on RNA regulation and how mechanical (touch) stimulation of plant organs promotes stress acclimation and morphological adapation.

The ideal candidate will contribute to an exciting new Australian Research Council (ARC) discovery project: “The Hunt for RNA Riboswitches and Genetic Sensors of Metabolic Flux”. Bacteria and plants are natural chemical factories producing nutrient metabolites (e.g. vitamins) that promote animal health, plant development and cellular communication. In bacteria, the regulation of gene expression or protein levels can be controlled by metabolitebinding RNA structural switches (called riboswitches), and temperature-sensing RNA structural thermometers.

The goal of the team is to understand how environmental signals such as temperature, light and wind alter metabolic signaling processes and induce structure changes to DNA or RNA thereby promoting cellular memory formation and even transgenerational inheritance. The PhD candidate is anticipated to commence in 2015. The student will be advised by Dr Chris Cazzonelli. Proposals should align with the above themes.

Please see http://www.uws.edu.au/hie/chriscazzonelli

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

» Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $25,392 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree.
» International students will receive a tax free stipend of $25,392 per annum. Those with a strong track record may receive a fee waiver.
» Funding is available for project costs and conference travel.

CRITERIA

The successful applicant should:
» demonstrate excellent academic performance related to the research proposed
» hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent overseas qualifications
» be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level
» possess a background in bioinformatics, RNA, epigenetic and molecular biology or related disciplines.

International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at http://www.uws.edu.au/ international/home/admissions/entry_requirements

HOW TO APPLY

» Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Dr Chris Cazzonelli [Email Address Removed] or on (02) 4570 1752.
» Please submit an application form, CV, and a one-page research proposal (including two referees) that aligns with this project’s aims.

Closing date 30 June 2015.

» The application form can be downloaded from the web: Download application: www.uws.edu.au/research/scholarships