PhD Position in Salinity Tolerance in Plants

One approach to improving desert agriculture is to increase the tolerance to salinity of existing crops, such as rice, barley and tomatoes. The aim of research in The Salt Lab is to make fundamental discoveries into the molecular genetic basis for increased salinity tolerance in some plants, and apply these discoveries to increase the salinity tolerance of crops such as barley and tomatoes. This builds directly on work over the past decade where mechanisms of tolerance have been discovered and characterized, then delivered to commercial crops using both GM and marker-assisted selection.

Students will benefit from an exciting international scientific environment and an integrated training programme, including access to state of the art infrastructure, lectures and seminars, specialised scientific and technological courses, complementary skills training and career development activities, postdoctoral symposia and retreats, as well as social activities.

Students will be supported for a period of up to 4 years.

Successful candidates will join research groups with top-level scientists and will carry out their research in one of the laboratories described at https://cda.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx

Who are we looking for?

Candidates must fulfil the following requirements at the time of the deadline:

• Candidates must have obtained, or expect to obtain soon, a top quality University Degree and a Master’s Degree in biological sciences in a reputable University.
• Candidates must have an excellent academic record, some previous research experience and a strong commitment for scientific research.
• Candidates must have a good working knowledge of English

LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE POSITION
http://studentopportunities.kaust.edu.sa/Op/Opportunity/2

ABOUT KAUST

KAUST advances science and technology through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education. We are a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity in Saudi Arabia and the world. We exist for the pursuit and advancement of scientific knowledge and its broad dissemination and benevolent application. We strive to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy and the environment. http://www.kaust.edu.sa

ABOUT THE RESEARCH FOCUS BESE

Research in BESE is focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which organisms sense, adapt and respond to the environment, and the development of innovative technologies. BIO-NEST: from bench to innovation, describes focal areas of basic and applied research in Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, supported by cutting-edge Technologies. http://bese.kaust.edu.sa