PhD student in plant biology

PhD Position Available: Identifying Glycosyltransferases involved in Plant Arabinogalactan Biosynthesis

Are you passionate about unraveling the mysteries of plant biology and contributing to cutting-edge research in the field of glycoscience? Join our team and uncover the role of glycosyltransferases that glycosylate arabinogalactan proteins.

Position Title: PhD-student in Identification of Glycosyltransferase for Arabinogalactan Proteins

Institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

Location: Vienna

Project Description: Arabinogalactan proteins are essential components of plant cell walls, playing important roles in growth, development, and plant stress response. However, the precise mechanisms governing the biosynthesis of their O-linked arabinogalactan moiety remain elusive. This PhD project aims to identify glycosyltransferases involved in arabinogalactan biosynthesis, shedding light on the functions of arabinogalactan proteins in plant cell walls.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employ innovative biochemical and molecular biology techniques to identify and characterize glycosyltransferases associated with arabinogalactan biosynthesis.

• Utilize advanced analytical tools, including mass spectrometry and glycan microarrays, to elucidate the enzymatic activities and substrate specificities of glycosyltransferases.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate findings into broader understanding of plant cell wall biology.

• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.

• Strong background in biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

• Experience with protein expression, purification, and enzyme assays is desirable.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research team.

• Passion for plant biology and glycoscience.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

• Payment according to FWF salary scheme for PhD-students.

• Potential for travel to conferences and collaborations with international research partners.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter outlining research interests and relevant experience, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references to Colin Ruprecht (colin.ruprecht(at)boku.ac.at).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.