The University of Oxford are advertising the following EPSRC Studentship: Genetic network analysis of nitrogen fixation in legume-Rhizobium symbioses

The University of Oxford invites applications for a four-year postgraduate studentship, funded by EPSRC, to work on ”Genetic network analysis of nitrogen fixation in legume-Rhizobium symbioses” with Prof. Gesine Reinert (University of Oxford Department of Statistics), Prof Philip Poole (University of Oxford Department of Plant Sciences), and Dr Mariano Beguerisse (University of Oxford Mathematical Institute).

The proposal brings together world leaders in network analysis at Oxford in the Departments of Statistics (Reinert) and Mathematics (Beguerisse), as well as in the genetics of plant-microbe interactions in Plant Sciences (Poole). The project is supported by the Nottingham-based Legume Technology (Bruce Knight CEO, http://www.legumetechnology.co.uk/), the leading producer of rhizobial inoculants in the UK. The objective of the project is to carry out a statistical and network analysis of cutting-edge gene expression and global mutational data, which may require the development of new theoretical and computational tools. Such an analysis will enable genes needed for superior symbiotic performance to be identified and introduced into commercial inocula. These inocula are used both in the UK and around the world, enabling substantial yield gains and contributing to sustainable agriculture with reduced fertilizer inputs as well as reduced CO2 and N2O emissions. The project is interdisciplinary and candidates from mathematical, physical and biological sciences are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be a member of the Department of Statistics and will also be associated with Prof Poole’s group in Plant Sciences. The studentship, which is attached to Keble College, is a four-year studentship which is available to start 1st October 2017 and is subject to standard Doctoral Training Account rules for eligibility. It includes a stipend of at least £14,553 per annum, and College and University fees at the Home/EU rate. It is open to all EU citizens.

Applications should be made online at http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide. Applications should include a CV, covering letter, three references and a transcript of your undergraduate degree and subsequent graduate degrees. Applications must arrive by 12 noon on 28 June 2017, quoting reference number EPSRC/Stats/Keble/01.

Oxford University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note this position is in no way affiliated with the CCIMI