Mitochondrial dynamics underpinning the life and death of higher plants

 Background

Mitochondria cannot be created de novo, meaning that any new mitochondrion must be formed from the division of an existing organelle.  In addition to division, mitochondria also undergo fusion where two or more individual organelles join to produce a single mitochondrion.  Mitochondrial fission and fusion are the primary processes controlling mitochondrial form and together control mitochondrial size and number. Traditionally, the mitochondrion has been portrayed as an immobile, oval-shaped body.  In reality, mitochondria are very dynamic organelles, capable of changing size and shape in a matter of seconds.  Additionally, they undergo short- and long-distance vectorial transport mediated by association with the cytoskeleton. Advances in bioimaging have allowed scientists to re-evaluate the behaviour of mitochondria in vivo, stimulating a surge of interest in determining the genes, proteins and mechanisms that control mitochondrial shape, size, number and distribution (collectively termed mitochondrial dynamics).

 The scholarship

A PhD scholarship is available for a suitably qualified candidate in the newly formed Plant Mitochondrial Dynamics research group in the Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Specific areas of research include the identification of genes affecting mitochondrial shape, size, number, and cellular inheritance, and studies using a molecular cell biological approach to decipher the vital role played by mitochondrial dynamics in the life and death of multicellular plants. The group uses a combination of contemporary plant molecular genetics and molecular cell biology techniques coupled to state-of-the-art live-cell microscopy. See www.plantmitochondria.net for more information about the research group.

The stipend of $18,000 per annum will cover tuition fees and living expenses.

 The candidate

The successful candidate will be highly motivated with excellent practical ability and an interest in plant cell biology. Preference will likely be given to those candidates who have some prior experience of molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, or related fields. However, bright, motivated candidates who can clearly express their interest in the research field and who can show evidence of an aptitude for laboratory research out side of the above disciplines are also strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply:

Applications consisting of a brief covering letter, CV, description of research interests, relevant experience, academic transcript, plus contact information for three referees, should be sent to: david.logan(a)usask.ca., from whom further details are available.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.