Netherlands: PhD-position Whitefly resistance in tomato

Wageningen UR, Plant Breeding Wageningen, (Gelderland), 38 hours per week

Job description
The project is part of the Technological Top Institute Green Genetics. The aim of this challenging project is to identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) that confer resistance/tolerance to the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in tomato. The PhD candidate will evaluate several sources of resistance. Introgression Line (IL) populations based on resistant wild relatives of the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) will be made available by the participating breeding companies. The most promising lines will be studied in great detail to (1) elucidate the mechanism of whitefly resistance, (2) identify genes involved and (3) find markers that can facilitate pyramiding and introgression of loci associated with resistance into elite tomato germplasm.

In-depth phenotypic screening of the most promising lines will be carried out by a thorough and accurate analysis of whitefly life history components, next to dual choice tests and measurements of Electro Penetration Graph (EPG) patterns. Genetic, biochemical and bioinformatic approaches will be used to identify candidate genes for whitefly resistance. In addition, it is anticipated that in the next few years a large amount of sequencing data will become available from the worldwide tomato sequencing initiative that will be extremely valuable in the identification of candidate genes involved in whitefly resistance. This information will be exploited to develop diagnostic markers that will facilitate the introgression into new varieties.

Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
We are looking for result-driven person with:
a university degree at MSc level in a relevant field (e.g. molecular ecology/entomology, molecular biology, biology or plant breeding)experience with several of the following: entomological techniques, (molecular) genetics, bioinformatics, plant physiology; affinity with insect-plant interactions will be of additional valuean interest in multidisciplinary approachesproficiency in and affinity with working with computers and laboratory equipment team player with excellent communication skillsWorkfield(s):
- Teaching & Research(Scientific discipline: Natural Sciences)

Organization
Wageningen UR, Plant Breeding
Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR) is an international renowned knowledge institute in the fields of life sciences and sustainability. It makes an essential contribution to the quality of life through pioneering research and innovative education in the fields of health and nutrition, sustainable agricultural systems and a viable environment.
Wageningen Plant Sciences Group (PSG) is a Wageningen UR consortium, bringing together the expertise of Wageningen University and the research institutes Plant Research International (PRI) and PPO (Applied Plant Research). The current project was developed by a consortium with researchers of WUR-Plant Breeding, Entomology of Wageningen University and breeding companies.

Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2472
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 18 months
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
Estimated maximum salary per month: € 1933 in the first year rising to € 2472 in the fourth year. Duration of the contract: for a period of 18 months with a possible extension of 30 months.

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr. Ben Vosman
Telephone number: 31 317 480838
E-mail address: ben.vosman@wur.nl

Or Prof.dr. Marcel Dicke
E-mail address: marcel.dicke@wur.nl

Application
You can apply for this job before 01-05-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

Wageningen UR
Plant Sciences Group
H. Casteels
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT: DPW 08-17. Further Details