PhD student: Microtubules alone and in bundles, Wageningen University
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to investigate self-organizing mechanisms in the plant cell cortex. The cell wall determines cell morphology and is because of its high content in cellulose fibers economically important. Cellulose fibers are deposited by molecular machines that are guided along a fascinating network of interlinked proteineous filaments, called microtubules. Individual microtubules grow and shrink, and adhere to the plasma membrane. This two-dimensional confinement induces a range of filament interactions like collision and bundling. Orientational ordering arises from these interactions in a yet poorly understood manner. Here we will focus on the role of microtubule bundling proteins in the orientation process.
We offer the possibility to approach the problem at hand from various angles. We will use a minimalistic approach in which we aim to reconstitute the aligned array of microtubules from 1) programmed interactions between microtubules in computer simulations, 2) from a selected set of protein interactions in vitro, and 3) in cell extracts with selectively depleted proteins. Obtained insights will be compared with observations in living cells to achieve a comprehensive understanding of microtubule organization.
We offer the possibility to approach the problem at hand from various angles. We will use a minimalistic approach in which we aim to reconstitute the aligned array of microtubules from 1) programmed interactions between microtubules in computer simulations, 2) from a selected set of protein interactions in vitro, and 3) in cell extracts with selectively depleted proteins. Obtained insights will be compared with observations in living cells to achieve a comprehensive understanding of microtubule organization.
Requirements
University Graduate
You meet the requirements for an MSc-degree. We are looking for an experimental scientist (biologist/physicist) with a strong interest in biophysics. Candidates must be creative, enthusiastic, be communicative and have a good command of spoken and written English. This position is only open to students from outside the European Union.
You meet the requirements for an MSc-degree. We are looking for an experimental scientist (biologist/physicist) with a strong interest in biophysics. Candidates must be creative, enthusiastic, be communicative and have a good command of spoken and written English. This position is only open to students from outside the European Union.
Organization
Wageningen University and Research centre Laboratory of Plantcelbiology
Conditions of employment
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: One year with the intention to extend it to four years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Duration of the contract: One year with the intention to extend it to four years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.
Application
You can apply for this job before 31-07-2008 by sending your application to:
Wageningen University and Research Centre, Plant Sciences Group
Department Personnel & Organisation
H. Casteels
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail address: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
Department Personnel & Organisation
H. Casteels
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail address: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
You can apply for this job before July 31st 2008 by sending your letter with CV to Wageningen University, Department P&O, Mrs. H. Casteels, P.O. box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, e-mail vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl Please refer to vacancy nr.
DPW 08-27
DPW 08-27
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT: DPW 08-27.
The short URL code for this job opening is: 00363-2713.
You can use this as a direct link to the job by adding the code to the URL www.academictransfer.org/
