They are seeking a motivated PhD candidate in the area of interactions between insects, plants, and microorganisms to explore how aphids overcome plant resistance mechanisms through the use of salivary effectors and their symbiotic associations with bacteria. To determine effectors and microorganisms that influence aphid species’ interactions with their host plant, a panel of aphid species will be analysed in this PhD. You will set up and carry out wet lab tasks in your method, such as aphid bioassays and molecular assays, and you will evaluate transcriptomics, proteomics, and genome data.
Requirements
- An MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biotechnology or a related field with a specialisation in insect-plant or pathogen-plant interactions;
- Curiosity-driven and passionate about the behaviour of insects, the plant physiological and molecular responses induced by insects and the role of microbes in this system;
- Experienced in bioassays with plants and insects/pathogens and molecular techniques, such as RNA/DNA extraction and (q)PCR;
- Knowledge of plant defenses and effector biology;
- Motivated to expand your transcriptomics and proteomics data analysis skills;
- Enthusiastic to work on the genomics of insects, plants and their microbiome;
- Willing to supervise undergraduate students;
- A pro-active team player, committed to obtaining a PhD;
- Good oral and written communication skills, and are fluent in English.
Deadline
The vacancy will be open till 06 May 2024. Interviews commence on 21 May 2024
For more information and application visit the official website