PhD student in Plant Biotechnology ATR7 (First Stage Researcher – R1)

The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, offers the following position:

PhD student in Plant Biotechnology (First Stage Researcher – R1), Professional field 5.11 Biotechnologies.

Occupation: Full-time

Period: Fixed-term contract.

Apply no later than: December 21, 2024

The PhD student will perform research on ATR7, a novel plant-specific gene related to abiotic stress responses and oxidative stress-induced programme cell death (Sujeeth N et al. 2020, Cell Mol Life Sci. 77: 705-718). The research aims to elucidate the function of ATR7 by identifying its mode of action using genetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics approaches. Another objective is to generate CRISPR-Cas9 genome-edited vegetable plants with modulated ATR7 expression. These edited plants are expected to have enhanced drought and oxidative stress tolerance, leading to increased yield under unfavourable environmental conditions compared to non-edited plants. This work will contribute to food security in an increasingly unstable global environment.

 Workplace:

The workplace will be CPSBB in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (www.cpsbb.eu). The recently established plant institute, features a new campus and state of the art equipment is gradually enhancing its international standing.

Plovdiv is a modern city with a lot of history. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, with archaeological discoveries dating back to the 6th millennium BC. Currently, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and one of the country's industrial and academic centers, the home of six Bulgarian universities. The city is rich in cultural life and entertainment for young people.

 Job Requirements:

• MSc degree in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, or related fields

• Good technical skills, practical background, and communication abilities.

• Excellent English presentation and communication skills (written and oral).

 Main responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research.

• Participation in other project events and activities.

 We offer:

• Gross salary of 2800 BGN, including social contributions from the employer and the employee. Funding available until 20.12.2029.

• Career development in an internationally competitive research institution.

• Worked with a friendly team on a project with a significant impact in fundamental and applied research.

• CPSBB is an equal-opportunity employer.

 Applicants interested in the position should send the following documents until 21 December 2024:

• Application letter including a statement about why you are applying for this position.

• CV including a list of published and accepted publications (if any).

• Contact information, including email addresses, of at least one reference person.

Send your application documents as a single PDF file.