Light-Regulated Alternative Splicing

Starting from December 2014 or the earliest possible date thereafter, a PhD position in a research project analyzing light-regulated alternative splicing in plants will be available in the research group Wachter at the Center for Plant Molecular Biology in Tübingen.

Our group is mainly interested in the regulation and functional implications of alternative splicing in plants. We combine transcriptome-wide alternative splicing analyses with detailed, mechanistic studies of splicing regulation to define the functions of this widespread gene-regulatory mechanism in plant development and stress responses. Frequently used techniques in our projects include RNA-sequencing, in vivo splicing assays, RNA/protein and protein/protein in vitro and in vivo interaction studies, protein localization experiments, and generation and physiological studies of plant mutants. Most of our work is based on the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. For further information on the research and publications from our group, please visit our web page:

http://www.zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de/GeneralGenetics/ResearchGroups/wachter

The successful applicant is expected to continue our work on light-regulated alternative splicing. This project mainly includes functional studies of light-regulated alternative splicing events, identification of regulatory factors of light-dependent alternative splicing and characterization of the corresponding cis-regulatory elements.

Applicants need a master or diploma in biology or related fields and should be highly motivated to work in basic research. Furthermore, experience in plant molecular biology and/or RNA research is expected. The project will benefit from an excellent scientific environment, state of the art equipment and central facilities, and a graduate program at the Center for Plant Molecular Biology. Salary is according to TV-L E13 (65%) and is available for initially three years.

Applications should include motivation letter, CV, publication list if applicable, and names and contact information of two references. Please send your application by e-mail to [Email Address Removed] (directed to Dr. Andreas Wachter).