Newe Ya'ar

Research teams-Newe Yaar

• IBDAH MWAFAK

  Team:Mosaab Yahyaa : lab mangeger and master student Alya Bouz : undergraduate student

  Biosynthesis of Styrene and its Analogs in Styrax officinalis L.

  Styrene is an economically important industrial chemical widely used in the plastics industry, while its analogs are known contributors to plant defense. To date, styrene production is almost entirely petroleum-derived process. However, the increasing severity of climate change and depletion of fossil fuel resources necessitate development of more sustainable methods for styrene production. We have discovered that Styrax officinalis, which belongs to the Styracaceae family, accumulate styrene and its analogs in the leaves. To date, limited information is available on biosynthetic pathways leading to the formation of styrene and its analogs in plants. The overall goal of this proposal is to elucidate the biochemical pathway(s) leading to the biosynthesis of styrene and its analogs in S. officinalis and engineer tobacco plants to produce a high-value plant-derived styrene.

  Education requirements

  PhD. degree in Biology or Biochemistry

  Scientific experience

  Molecular biology Bioinformatics Biochemistry: Expression of recombinant proteins using a variety of expression systems Protein purification and/or sample preparation of expressed protein as required

  Skills

  Strong written and oral communication skills Working well in a team. Self-motivation. Being flexible. Determination and persistence. Being a quick learner. Good time management.

• DOVRAT GUY

  Team:Ms Diana Avadiv

  Postdoctoral researcher in the field of Plant and Rangeland Ecology

  The laboratory of Dr. Guy Dovrat at the Department of Natural Resources, Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization (Newe-Ya'ar) is seeking a highly motivated postdoc. The works examine the effects of grazing on riparian plant communities and nutrient recycling in Aleppo pine forests.

  Education requirements

  PhD in life science/ecology

  Scientific experience

  Lab skills and field work experience, previous background with SPSS or R software

  Skills

  Experience in rangeland research - advantage