NRF Professional Development Program (34539)(Permanent)
South African Sugarcane Research Institute(SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a Post-Doctoral Studyopportunity available for a NRF Professional Development Programbased at the SASRI Crop Biology Resource Centre, based in Mount Edgecombe, Kwa Zulu Natal The Problem Sugarcane cultivars are released after a long plant breeding selection process during which multiple beneficial traits are targeted. With the increasing frequency, duration and severity of drought and heatwaves, new methods of producing tolerant sugarcane cultivars are required. One solution to this problem is the generation of climate-ready stress tolerant cultivars from otherwise elite material by exploiting induced epigenetic variation. The Project The aim of the project is to generate epigenetic variation within the genetic redundancy of this highly polyploid species. Epigenetic 're-programming' of the genome will be achieved in vitro through DNA de-methylation using azacytidine, followed by re- methylation in the presence of PARP inhibition, while simultaneously applying abiotic stress treatments. Epilines will be phenotypically characterized during four rounds of chimera dissolution using established morpho-physiological measurements. Focus areas include the development of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) based rapid phenotyping, and the integration of Host-Mediated Microbiome Engineering (HMME) with chimera dissolution. Additional information is available on request. The Candidate The ideal candidate must hold a PhD degree encompassing the plant sciences and be enthusiastic about plant physiology/biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. This is a team-orientated project that may include the supervision of post graduate students. The ability to get on with others is essential, as is a generous disposition. The Position A successful candidate will be provided with a highly competitive bursary through the NRF Professional Development Program, as well as a dynamic, well-resourced, and friendly working environment. The Contact A résumé and covering letter should be sent before 30th November 2023 to: Dr Stuart Rutherford Crop Biology Resource Centre South African Sugarcane Research Institute Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, Durban stuart.rutherford@sugar.org.za
|
