A DFG-funded PhD studentship is available in the group of Dr. Dongbo Shi at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Germany, with a start date at the latest by April 2023.
As a cylindrical meristematic region in plant stems, the cambium harbours cambium stem cells (CSCs) that provide cells for generating xylem inwards and phloem outwards to enlarge the plant body along the radial axis. This secondary thickening growth supports the continuous growth of plants physiologically by generating secondary vasculature and mechanically by enlarging the radius of the axes.
Despite their importance, the regulatory mechanisms of CSC proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. Using the Arabidopsis cambium as a model system, this project aims to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of CSCs enabling continuous secondary growth. The successful candidate will explore the mechanisms using state-of-the-art methods in molecular plant biology, microscopy imaging, single-cell transcriptome data and computational modelling.
The successful candidate holds a Master’s degree in Biology with a focus on Molecular, Developmental, Plant or relevant Biology. Previous research experience is necessary. The working language of the laboratory is English. We are a new research group settled in the Genetics group and will offer careful supervision.
The position is offered according to German payscale TV-L E13 (65%) for three years.
Please send applications including Curriculum Vitae, a brief summary of your master’s project, a letter describing your motivation to pursue this PhD project and contact information for one or two referees to Dongbo Shi (dongbo.shi@uni-potsdam.de). Informal inquiries are welcome. Selection will start from 1st August until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview.