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22.04.2008
The new postdoc will work within the framework of the research program “Environmental Biosafety Cooperation Project between South Africa and Norway”, and in particular make contributions to the sub project “Assessment of the impact of GMOs released into the Environment, with specific reference to Bt maize.”
The Bt maize has been made transgenic by integration of the cry1Ab gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. The intention is to make the maize crops resistant to pest insects.
Bt-transgenic and the unmodified, isogenic counterpart will be studied under different environmental conditions. The collected samples will be processed and analysed. The concentrations and molecular versions of cry1ab gene products (Cry1Ab protein) present will be determined, and the genome, proteome, metabolome and interactome patterns will be characterized and compared.
Non-target invertebrate and vertebrate organisms will be collected from the maize fields under study. Our new postdoctoral scientist will be involved in investigations of uptake, spread and impact of transgenic DNA and Cry1Ab protein within mammalian and avian organisms. Studies of the presence of cry1ab and Cry1Ab in situ will be followed up by research on the immunogenicity and toxicity to these non-target organisms. For this purpose exposure studies in relevant cell cultures as well as feeding studies in model organisms will be employed.
Our new postdoc will be involved in detection and characterization of specific DNA, RNA and protein target molecules in organs and organ sections from arthropod, mammalian and avian species, and also in histological examinations. It will be placed emphasis on documented competence in work with experimental animals, systemic biology, and isolation and cultivation of primary cells and cell lines. Experience with proteomics, protein analytic techniques, immunostaining of cells/tissue sections, and confocal fluorescence microscopy will be considered an advantage.
Our new postdoc scientist will work within an enthusiastic and truly trans-disciplinary research environment at GenØk and the University of Tromsø. Cooperation with partner institutions in South Africa and in the USA is integrated into the research program menu, and participation in field work in South Africa may become necessary.
Background for the project
Sustainable and environmentally safe food production is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind. The development and introduction of GMOs, such as GM crops, is intended to support efforts to ensure food security. GM crops represent a relatively new introduction to the environment, and as such need careful assessment in terms of environmental safety i.e. biosafety. However, it is important to consider that the safety assessment of GMOs involves the interaction of different disciplines including plant, insect, microbial and molecular ecology.
This project being initiated between South Africa and Norway in 2008 brings together scientists from different institutions in South Africa and from GenØk-Centre of Biosafety and the University in Tromsø, Norway. This project will provide baseline data that will feed into the regulatory decision making process as well as capacity building components, but will also provide basic research results of high general and ubiquitous interest. The Norwegian program coordination centre is located at the Directorate of Nature Management in Trondheim
The position is for a period of 2 years with the possibility of an extension. Fluency in English is required. Start date for this position is 1 September 2008.
For further information on this position visit www.genok.org or contact Terje Traavik (terjet@genok.org), tel. 77 64 43 79 / 95 81 75 37 or Kaare Nielsen (knielsen@farmasi.uit.no), tel. 77 64 61 65 / 95 72 25 88.
Please send a cover letter explaining your interest in biosafety research, CV with full publication list and contact details of 3 referees, as well as pdfs of your most relevant publications via email to terjet@genok.org or by post to GenØk, Forskningsparken, PB 6418, 9294 Tromsø, Norway.
Application closing date is 15 May 2008.