JSMC
PhD Position in Fungal Endophytes as a Chemical Cue Mediating Defence against
Pathogens in an Ant-plant Mutualism at International Leibniz Research
School for Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions in Germany 2013
PhD Position in Fungal Endophytes as a Chemical Cue Mediating Defence against
Pathogens in an Ant-plant Mutualism at International Leibniz Research
School for Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions in Germany 2013
Study
Subject(s): The research topic is Fungal
Endophytes as a Chemical Cue Mediating Defence against Pathogens in an
Ant-plant Mutualism.
Course Level: This scholarship is for pursuing PhD level.
Scholarship Provider: German Excellence Initiative
Scholarship can be taken at: Germany
Subject(s): The research topic is Fungal
Endophytes as a Chemical Cue Mediating Defence against Pathogens in an
Ant-plant Mutualism.
Course Level: This scholarship is for pursuing PhD level.
Scholarship Provider: German Excellence Initiative
Scholarship can be taken at: Germany
Eligibility:
•Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field in Natural or Life Sciences. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
•
high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
• creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
•an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC Community
•
very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)
•Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field in Natural or Life Sciences. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
•
high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
• creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
•an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the lively JSMC Community
•
very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)
Scholarship
Open for Students of Following Countries:
Students of any nationality can apply for this scholarship.
Open for Students of Following Countries:
Students of any nationality can apply for this scholarship.
Scholarship
Description: The Graduate School of Excellence
‘JSMC’ invites applications for a PhD Student Position to conduct research on
the topic Fungal endophytes as a chemical cue mediating defence against
pathogens in an ant-plant mutualism. Aboveground plant–fungal mutualistic
interactions can benefit plants by promoting plant growth and protection
against diseases and insects. The endophytes live intercellularly in leaf and
stem tissue without causing any apparent signs of disease. Protective effects
can result from the production of secondary compounds with antifungal and/or
antibacterial activity, such as alkaloids and terpenoids, or lytic enzymes that
can hydrolyze a wide variety of polymeric compounds. The aim of this project is
to unravel the direct and indirect chemical mechanisms through which fungal
endophytes are likely to enhance the resistance to pathogens of their host
plants, using the mesoamerican ant-plant Acacia-Pseudomyrmex system as a model
system. The Acacia leaves rarely show symptoms of pathogen infection and no
pathogenic bacteria have been identified growing on their leaf surfaces
(González-Teuber & Boland, unpublished data). We have isolated at least
twenty different fungal endophyte species from leaf samples of two Acacia
species.
Description: The Graduate School of Excellence
‘JSMC’ invites applications for a PhD Student Position to conduct research on
the topic Fungal endophytes as a chemical cue mediating defence against
pathogens in an ant-plant mutualism. Aboveground plant–fungal mutualistic
interactions can benefit plants by promoting plant growth and protection
against diseases and insects. The endophytes live intercellularly in leaf and
stem tissue without causing any apparent signs of disease. Protective effects
can result from the production of secondary compounds with antifungal and/or
antibacterial activity, such as alkaloids and terpenoids, or lytic enzymes that
can hydrolyze a wide variety of polymeric compounds. The aim of this project is
to unravel the direct and indirect chemical mechanisms through which fungal
endophytes are likely to enhance the resistance to pathogens of their host
plants, using the mesoamerican ant-plant Acacia-Pseudomyrmex system as a model
system. The Acacia leaves rarely show symptoms of pathogen infection and no
pathogenic bacteria have been identified growing on their leaf surfaces
(González-Teuber & Boland, unpublished data). We have isolated at least
twenty different fungal endophyte species from leaf samples of two Acacia
species.
Tenure
of award: Three-year PhD positions are
available.
of award: Three-year PhD positions are
available.
What
does it Cover?
•
a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
•a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) funded for three years based on the regulations of the DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as generous research funding
•
a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
•
a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills
•Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University.
does it Cover?
•
a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities
•a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) funded for three years based on the regulations of the DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as generous research funding
•
a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
•
a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills
•Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University.
Notification:
Selected applicants will be invited to
the JSMC/ILRS Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, in February 2013. Awarding
decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing the projects to start
immediately.
Selected applicants will be invited to
the JSMC/ILRS Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, in February 2013. Awarding
decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing the projects to start
immediately.
Scholarship
Application Deadline: Do submit your applications till
December 2nd, 2012
Application Deadline: Do submit your applications till
December 2nd, 2012