The emergence in the last decades of the root organ cultivation system (i.e. the in vitro co-culture of an AMF with a root organ) and recently the autotrophic mycorrhizal culture system (i.e. the in vitro culture of an AMF with a photosynthetic active plant) have opened new prospects in the study of AMF biology. Both systems have made possible the in situ tracking of AMF hyphal cytological events such as anastomoses, transport studies of essential as well as non-essential minerals and pollutants, interaction studies with soil-borne pathogens. They also allows the isolation of high quantities of DNA while avoiding undesired interferences of exogenous contaminants.An aspect poorly investigated at present is the life history strategy of AMF. It is admitted that any living organism adopt a development strategy to efficiently exploit its environment, which can be resumed as r-strategist or K-strategists.
Using the in vitro systems described above as microcosm models, the Post-doc will investigate and compare the life history strategy of Glomus and Gigaspora and comprehend the ecological implications of the mode of growth, substrate colonization and reproduction strategy of both families.
Criteria for recruitment will be - Strong expertise in root organ cultivation - High grade academic curriculum vitae in most appropriate discipline - interest and motivation in conducting the research activity - curiosity - agreeable personality and integration capacity within teams.
The candidates should send their Curriculum vitae to Prof. S. Declerck (address below).
Position : Post-doc (max. 6 years after PhD) Deadline for application : 01/08/2006 Start date : between 01/09/2006 and 01/12/2006 Duration : 12 months Salary : approximately 1750 ?