The research group of
Professor Dr. Ute Krämer, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has a vacancy for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Molecular Biology
(3 years, starting date: available now, salary: € 39,800-57,500, TV-L13 at postdoctoral level; salary for a
PhD student correspondingly less, as usual).

The researcher will work on the analysis of the molecular basis of metal hyperaccumulation and
associated hypertolerance in Arabidopsis halleri, a model extremophile and close relative of A. thaliana.
The physiologically challenging extreme traits in A. halleri cannot be studied in A. thaliana or other
classical model plants. A central goal of the research project is to unravel the cis-regulatory mechanisms
leading to high expression of key genes, e.g. three tandem HMA4 gene copies of A. halleri (Nature 453:
391-394). Among all candidate functions analysed following the stable transformation with RNA
interference constructs to date, AhHMA4 makes the largest contribution to both heavy metal
hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance of A. halleri. Substantial resources and results are already available
for the planned research to build on.

Applicants should have an excellent scientific record and a strong motivation for a career in research. The
post requires a profound knowledge background and experimental experience in state-of-the art methods for
the molecular analysis of the regulation of gene expression. Specifically, substantial experimental
experience is required in the generation and analysis of promoter-reporter gene fusion constructs towards the
identification of cis-regulatory elements, molecular cloning, the analysis and demonstration of DNAtranscription
factor protein interactions (e.g. Y1H, EMSA, ChIP), the generation/characterization of stable
transformant and candidate transcription factor T-DNA knockout mutant lines of A. thaliana, handling and
screening of large-insert genomic DNA libraries, quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Further important
techniques in the project are the localization of fluorescent chimeric fusion proteins by confocal microscopy,
biochemical and immunological assays, and concepts and techniques of molecular plant physiology and
metal homeostasis research. Experience with novel sequencing technologies or the analysis of chromatin
modifications is welcome.

General information: The successful candidates will work in a collaborative environment of researchers
studying environmental adaptation in A. halleri and analysing the molecular networks of plant metal
homeostasis in the classical model plant A. thaliana, or comparatively in A. halleri and A. thaliana.
Laboratories and plant growth facilities offer a large and modern infrastructure for research (renovated from
2010-2012). The language of communication is English. Knowledge of German will be useful, but is not
essential. For more information see http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pflaphy/Seiten_en/index_e.html, or
contact us directly.
Posted 30 June, 2016

Deadline for Applications (including two letters of reference) 31 July 2016:
It is advisable to apply at your earliest possible convenience. Please address applications to the hands of:
Angelika Ernst +49 (0)234 32 28004; FAX: +49 (0)234 32 14187; E-Mail: MGPP@ruhr-unibochum.de, Department of Molecular Genetics and Physiology of Plants, Ruhr University Bochum,Universitätsstraße 150 ND3/30, D-44801 Bochum, Germany. PI will be attending Plant Biology 2016/Austin, TX (requests to: Ute.Kraemer@ruhr-uni-bochum.de).

Ruhr University Bochum is the 6th largest University in Germany and one of the country’s leading research universities. Host to more than 39,000 students and 5,600 staff, the University is a major institution in the culturally vibrant metropolitan Ruhr area. The University draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus, as well as from the close proximity of numerous University and prime research institutions in adjacent cities of the Ruhr and Rhine areas. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to interact closely within their disciplines and to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties.