"Evolution and function of mini-chromosome encoded virulence proteins"
The recently established group "Adaptive evolution of filamentous plant pathogens" of Dr. Thorsten Langner at the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tuebingen, Germany is seeking a Ph.D. candidate.
Research: Plant pathogens constantly coevolve with their host plants to establish infection, which can have a dramatic effect on crop yield and food security. Certain regions of pathogens' genomes evolve at a high rate to continuously overcome the plant immune system and manipulate development processes in the host plant. This enables rapid adaptation of virulence effector proteins to diverse host genotypes or species and ultimately leads to disease. One driver of adaptive evolution are genome rearrangements that can lead to copy number variations which further facilitate high evolutionary rates and affect the expression of virulence-related proteins. One peculiar type of these large-scale structural variations in the genome of the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae are mini-chromosomes. These are chromosomes that exist only some individuals but are absent in others. We have recently discovered a diverse set of mini-chromosomes in wheat - and rice-infecting M. oryzae isolates that encode several virulence-effector proteins. In the ERC-funded project "PANDEMIC", we will study how these effector proteins evolve and interact with host target proteins to contribute to the virulence of the blast fungus using a multidisciplinary approach including genetics, biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology. We will leverage this knowledge for the bioengineering of plant immune receptors to provide resistance against the blast fungus.
Who are we looking for? We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a Masters degree (or Bachlor degree in exceptional cases) in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or microbiology. Previous laboratory experience in microbiology and plant science or bioinformatics is an advantage. You should be curious, a team player, and have a great interest in molecular plant-pathogen interaction and plant immunity. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
What do we offer? The Max Planck Institute for Biology offers outstanding working conditions and state-of-the-art research infrastructure in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The Ph.D. position is fully funded for 4 years. The successful candidate will be integrated in the international Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'From Molecules to Organisms' and will benefit from a diverse community of PhD students, a wide range of training in professional and transferable skills, career development support, and excellent mentoring.
The application deadline is 16th of August, 2023 and the position will start in early 2024
To apply and for more information about our group and the project visit IMPRS faculty and project pages:
Project website: https://www.phd.tuebingen.mpg.de/49633/evolution-function-mini-chromosome
IMPRS faculty page: https://www.phd.tuebingen.mpg.de/45703/thorsten-langner
If you have questions regarding the project, please contact me: Thorsten.Jangner@tuebingen.mpg.de
For more opportunities kindly join https://chat.whatsapp.com/IdPxzfBy0YKCGDm2MnmjoU
_%20These%20programmes%20teach%20t.jpeg)