PhD Research Studentship in Plant Biology

Two 4-year PhD studentships in plant biology are available in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork to study biological responses to UV-B radiation.

The positions are part of the SFI-funded UV-SINTEC project on the development of UV-LEDs and their use in manipulating plant growth. The project is a collaboration between Prof. Marcel A.K. Jansen (http://plantstress.ucc.ie/) and Dr Alan P. Morrison (http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/W007/a.morrison@ucc.ie).

Both PhD students will predominantly work with Prof. Jansen on the application of novel UV-emitting LEDs in plant biology, with a long term aim to produce more nutritious, robust and inherently pest resistant crops. The focus of the project will be on the spectral characterisation of UV effects on plant growth, pest resistance, plant metabolite content and plant architecture, using narrow-band UV-emitting LEDs. Most work will be on the model species Arabidopsis thaliana.

The successful applicant will hold a relevant degree (at least 2.1 honours) with a specialization in plant biology. Applications by graduates with an MSc degree are particularly welcomed. The ideal candidate has experience in plant growth analysis, photobiology, analytical (HPLC) techniques and/or molecular approaches. The student should be highly motivated, independent, fluent in English and have excellent laboratory skills. It is expected that the student works within the timetable set for the project. The student will be enrolled in the UCC postgraduate degree programme.

This is a four year fixed-term post (fellowship circa. €23,000 p.a. inclusive of EU-postgraduate fees). The successful applicant must be available to start January 1st, 2019.

Closing date for applications is September 30, 2018. Applications should include a full CV, a cover letter describing the interest and background of the applicant relevant to the area of research, and contact details of two referees. The successful applicant will be asked to proceed through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC, http://www.pac.ie) for formal registration.