RESEARCH PROJECT
Title of the post-doc fellowship (Assegno di Ricerca): “Genetic control of root development and drought tolerance in maize”
In previous research projectscarried out by this group at DipSA, University of Bologna, a number of QTLs controlling root architecture have been mapped in maize. One of the most important and yet molecularly unresolved QTL maps in the central region of chromosome 1 (chromosome bin 1.06. Landi et al,. 2010. J Exp Bot 61:3553-3562). Our unit has already developed near-isogenic materials and experimental cross populations at this root QTL. Main objective of this research is to fine map and potentially clone the gene underlying the 1.06 QTL. Other traits such as plant height, biomass, drought tolerance indexes, yield and yield components at different water regimeswill likely be considered in order to study the effect of different root architectures. Improving our knowledge about the genetic control of root architecturehas immediate potential practical applications in maize breeding programmes.
Postdoctoral research training work plan
Objective
The aim is to train a researcher in molecular genetics and molecular breeding in cereals in general, and specifically in maize. The researcher will acquire experience and skillness in the various aspects that are necessary to study the genetic control of agronomic traits in maize, both on the molecular biology and field experiment sides.
Research activities
The candidate will be involved in the development and useofmaizeexperimental cross populations useful for molecular genetics dissection of quantitative traits(root architecture and related).Near-isogenic lines and large experimental cross populations (available and to be developed) will be particularly important for this project. The candidate will be involved in the production of large mapping populations, marker (mainly SNP and SSR) enrichment of the target genomic region, exploitation of genomic information as available in public repositories, analysis of synteny between maize and sorghum and rice, etc. Specific targeted search (in silico and/or in lab) for marker polymorphisms and/or candidate gene in the target region by producing and sequencing BAC/cosmid libraries will also be considered. Once the genetic information collected will be sufficient, the post-doc will also carry out detailed molecular and functional analysis (eg transcription profiling; analysis of gene knockoute, etc) at candidate genes.
Requirements
Ph.D in plant molecular biology or plant breeding or biotechnology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics or other related disciplines with experience in plant physiology and genomics. The candidate must be skilled in molecular biology and genomics. It is specifically required experience in DNA isolation, marker-based genotyping, molecular cloning and gene expression analysis. Experience in bioinformatics will be positively considered. Proven ability to manage experimental activities (lab, greenhouse and field) required for the collection of phenotypic data will also be positively evaluated. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.
Location of research activities
The research activities will be carried out in the laboratories of DipSA, University of Bologna and in the Experimental Station of the same University. The candidate will interact with other researchers in cereal genetics and genomics for some aspects of the phenotyping, genetic stocks development and genomics-related activities.
Duration
The position is for one year, renewable upon funding availability.
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