PhD Positions in Ageing, Bioinformatics, and Plant Biology

PhD positions are available to study at Massey University in New Zealand in the fields of ageing, bioinformatics, and plant biology.

Stipend is NZ$25,000 per annum (tax-free) plus University enrolment fees.

Biology and Evolution of Ribosomal DNA

• The ribosomal DNA is a fundamental player in cell biology, and has been implicated in cancer and ageing. It also shows unusual evolutionary patterns.
  The project involves the use of advanced molecular biology techniques and computer-based sequence analyses to explore the biology and evolution of the rDNA.
  More information can be found at: http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/nature/ribo_scholarship.htm
  Applicants should have a background in genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or related subjects.

Ageing in Plants

• Natural or harvest-induced senescence is a major determinant of crop losses. Senescence strictly depends on ageing and your project will be aimed at uncovering the mechanism of plant ageing. You will use the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the most modern ‘omics’ techniques, and will be encouraged to continue collaborations with top international labs.
  More information can be found at: http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/nature/sen_scholarship.htm
  Applicants should have a background in genetics, molecular biology, plant biology, bioinformatics, or related subjects.

Camellia Flower Blight

• The most important disease affecting the popular ornamental, Camellia, is Camellia flower blight, which causes premature browning and fall of infected flowers.
  Your project is aimed at identifying resistance responses, and molecular markers for resistance, using the newest parallel sequencing methods. The research team combines internationally-recognised expertise in molecular and classical plant pathology, plant physiology and bioinformatics.

More information can be found at: http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/nature/camellia_scholarship.htm
Applicants should have a background in bioinformatics or plant biology, with a genuine interest in bioinformatics.

Requests for further information about research projects or about the Massey University PhD program should be directed to:

• Dr. Paul Dijkwel P.Dijkwel@massey.ac.nz
• Dr. Austen Ganley A.R.Ganley@massey.ac.nz

Applications should be e-mailed to one of these addresses, and should include a full CV, a cover letter outlining your interests in relation to this research, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. The process of reviewing applications will begin in late August 2008.