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Vacancy number: DPW 07.17A
Department/ Organisation/ Research Group:
Universiteit van Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, IBED
(www.science.uva.nl/ibed)
Project Information: An important aspect of assessing environmental safety with the
introduction of transgenic crops is determining whether gene flow involving transgenes
significantly affects the population ecology of wild relatives. The Dutch Science Foundation
NWO recently launched the new programme ERGO
(http://www.nwo.nl/subsidiewijzer.nsf/pages/NWOA_6N4LKX?Opendocument) that focuses
on the ecological implications of genetic modification. The project “Introgression of crop
(trans-)genes into wild relatives: hybrid fitness, background selection and hitchhiking” is
a joint effort of the University of Groningen (Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies),
the Universiteit van Amsterdam (Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics) and
Wageningen University (Laboratory for Plant Breeding). The project comprises both an
experimental study, in which the wild lettuce species Lactuca serriola is used as a model, and a
theoretical approach, in which relevant ecological and genetic processes are modelled. Within
the project, there are three open positions for PhD students (in addition to the present one,
vacancy numbers DPW 07.17G and DPW 07.17W).
Job description: In the subproject “An ecological analysis of the introgression process
between wild (L. serriola) and cultivated lettuce (L. sativa): environment-specific effects and
stress sensitivity” the fitness of several generations of hybrids will be analysed under various
conditions, both in the greenhouse and in the field. In this way, the selection process on parts of
the genome originating from the crop can be followed when combined with molecular-genetic
analyses; this work will be carried out together with the PhD student in Wageningen. In
cooperation with the PhD student in Groningen and the project’s PostDoc, data will be
collected in a manner compatible with model development in the project.
Profile: M.Sc. or equivalent in biological sciences with knowledge of ecology, evolutionary
biology and plant physiology. Experience with planning and statistical analysis of (field)
experiments. Affinity with molecular marker techniques, QTL analysis and ecological
modelling is preferable. Good communication skills for interaction within a multidisciplinary
program.
Remuneration: Estimate maximum salary per month € 1956,- in the first year rising to €
2502,-. Duration of the contract: for a period of one year with possible extension of three years.
Location: Amsterdam
Information: Prof. Dr. Peter H. van Tienderen ([email protected], tel. +31 20
5256635).
Application: You can apply for this job before 25 May 2007 by sending your application to:
Wageningen UR, Plant Sciences Group, Mrs. T. Schultz, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen,
The Netherlands, e-mail address: [email protected]. When applying for this job always
mention the vacancy number
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