Postdoc position ‘Modelling and experimentation of photosynthesis in hemp’

Function

The job concerns a postdoc position within the EU-FP7 funded project ‘MultiHemp’ (Multipurpose crops for industrial bioproducts and biomass). The postdoc project will be carried out at CSA, within the chair group Crop Physiology, and in close collaboration with partners within WUR and across Europe. Robust modeling allows us to develop an integrated view of complex biological phenomena by describing constituting elements and processes in mathematical equations. Experimentation provides data to feed the model for its parameterization and validation, from which the knowledge gap is identified. In this postdoc project we want to combine modelling and experimentation, first to understand hemp photosynthetic regulation using our generalized stoichiometric model of electron transport limited photosynthesis as the starting point, and then to analyse after effects of the photosynthetic regulation on structural and morphological acclimation of plant leaves to changes in environmental variables and management practices. This is a necessary step for using the combined modelling and experimental approach to develop strategies to improve the quantity and quality of hemp products. The approach will be developed for hemp but should be able to be extrapolated to other crops of economic importance. You will be part of a team within CSA working on photosynthesis at different levels of aggregation. You will also be expected to function with close interaction with a PhD student and at the same time within a much larger consortium in the MultiHemp program. We offer an environment with state-of-the art modelling of plant photosynthesis with close collaboration with groups within Plant Sciences within WUR and with organizations elsewhere in the Netherlands and abroad. The position is initially available for 1 year, full time (38 hrs/wk), with possible extension for a second year (depending on the performance in the first year). The postdoc will be a member of the graduate school of Production Ecology and Resource Conservation (PE&RC) of WUR.

Function Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated team player with: a PhD degree in crop biology, plant physiology or crop modelling; good publication records in the above academic areas; well-developed modelling skills and experience in experimental equipment use/design in photosynthesis research; good oral and written communication skills in English.

Working conditions

Preferred starting date:  as soon as possible.  Estimated maximum salary: Maximum gross monthly salary coming with a full-time appointment will amount to € 3.831 (scale 10), depending on education and relevant experience. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Contactinformation

Additional information about this project can be obtained from Dr Xinyou Yin, 31-317-482348, xinyou.yin@wur.nl, or Prof. dr. Paul Struik, +31-317-484246,paul.struik@wur.nl. To apply, please submit your CV, the names and contact information of three references, and a short personal statement. To apply go to WUR site For similar Scholarship visit http://scholarships-opportunities.blogspot.com/