A PhD position tostudy the role of chromatin in priming the response to heat stress is available in the group of Prof. Dr. Isabel Bäurle at the University of Potsdam.

The Bäurle lab studies the long-term adaptation of plants to abiotic stress and the roles of epigenetic and chromatin regulation in this process using genetic and molecular tools (see https://baurlelab.wordpress.com/).

We have recently shown that histone methylation and nucleosome positioning play crucial roles in the adaptation of plants to recurring heat stress (Lämke et al. (2016) EMBO J; Brzezinka, Altmann et al (2016) eLife, in press). The aim of the advertised project is to build on these findings to gain a mechanistic understanding of the role of chromatin during heat stress memory in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. To this end, the successful candidate will employ state of the art genetic, molecular biological and biochemical approaches.

The position is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre CRC 973 “Priming and Memory of Organismic Responses to Stress”. Further information can be found at www.sfb973.de.

The successful candidate holds a Masters degree in Biology or a related discipline and is expected to have previous experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or genetics, the ability to work both independently and in a team, and a strong interest in the research question. Experience in working with plants is advantageous but not necessary. The working language of the laboratory is English.

Please send your application including a CV, a copy of your master thesis certificate or equivalent, a letter describing your motivation to pursue this PhD project and contact information for two referees to Isabel Bäurle (isabel.baeurle@uni-potsdam.de). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.