BioinformaticsOnline

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Gene Function Analysis and Development of Cisgenic Apples with Red Fruit Flesh. 4 years fulltime (40 hours).

Vacancynumber: Inova 01

Organization:
Inova Fruit B.V. is a young company that selects and develops new apple cultivars that fit perfectly in market segments. Inova Fruit B.V. prepares and co-ordinates the market introduction of these cultivars. Inova Fruit B.V. collaborates on molecular breeding of new apple cultivars with the Plant Science Group (PSG) of Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR).

Project Information:
The Plant Science Group of Wageningen University and Research Centre develops with Inova Fruit B.V. new apple cultivars, using innovative biotechnological approaches. A new target is development of apples with red flesh. This boosts the anti-oxidant properties of the apples which can be beneficial for the health of consumers. Further, red fleshed apples are appealing and distinctive. In ornamental apples a transcription factor has been discovered for red flesh. The postdoctoral research fellow will analyze in detail the function of this transcription factor by transient expression tests and transformation, and will investigate possible side effects at the RNA, protein and metabolomic level. He/she will develop red fleshed high quality apples for market introduction by applying the innovative approach of cisgenesis.

Profile:

• PhD degree in molecular biology of plants
• Critical thinking ability in experimental design and data interpretation
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Result-oriented, creative, team player
• Preferably experience with gene function analysis and genetic engineering in plants.

Remuneration:
The fellow will be appointed by Inova Fruit. We offer a full time postdoc position, temporary for a period of 4 years. Gross salary min. € 2206 - max. € 4102 per month.

Location:
The fellow will be appointed by Inova Fruit, and will work for 3.5 years in Wageningen, The Netherland, at the Plant Science Group, and for 6 months in Auckland, New Zealand at HortResearch. He/she will be part of an innovative high quality research team with excellent laboratory facilities.

Information:
Additional information can be obtained from Dr Henk J. Schouten (henk.schouten@wur.nl), phone +31 6 40 49 08 95, or Ir Karel van der Linden (k.vanderlinden@inovafruit.nl), phone +31 6 10 91 57 23.

Application:
If you are interested in this position you can send your letter of application and curriculum vitae to:
Wageningen University and Research Centre, Plant Sciences Group, mw. H.W.C.M. Casteels, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, e-mail: Hedwig.casteels@wur.nl.