[Employment] PhD fellowship at Max-Planck Institute

[Ivan Galis]

PhD fellowship at Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

I am currently seeking for a PhD student with previous training in the 
field(s) of plant molecular biology, plant physiology and/or ecology who 
is interested in working in a vibrant international research environment 
at Max-Planck Institute (MPI). Please send your CV; list of 
qualifications  and research interests, names, email-addresses of 3 
references who have first-hand knowledge of your research skills and 
evidence of your English language skills to:

Dr. Ivan Galis
Group Leader
Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology
Department of Molecular Ecology
Hans-Knöll-Str. 8
D-07745 Jena
Germany
Email: igalis from ice.mpg.de

About the department
The laboratory is located in the Department for Molecular Ecology ( 
http://www/itb/home/home_en.htm ) at Max-Planck Institute for Chemical 
Ecology in Jena (Germany). The main research focus in the laboratory is 
the dissection of molecular and ecological mechanisms involved in 
plant-insect interactions, using tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) model 
plant, and Manduca sexta as a model insect. We have developed an 
efficient silencing system based on virus (VIGS) and rapid 
transformation method for N. attenuata, as well as we have efficient 
molecular toolbox for this plant. The resources available in the lab 
include, for example, custom microarrays for tobacco, several LC-, GC-MS 
systems, large greenhouse facilities for experiments with transgenic 
plants and excellent conditions for work with herbivorous insects. In 
addition, our "successful phenotypes" with silenced target genes can be 
tested for ecological performance (fitness) and insect resistance in the 
natural habitat of N. attenuata in Great Basin Desert of the USA in Utah.

About the project
I am looking for a PhD student who will work with transcription factors 
and other regulators putatively involved in the signal transduction of 
herbivore signal(s), activating direct and indirect defenses in tobacco 
plants. We have isolated several candidate tobacco genes that are 
rapidly induced at transcriptional level upon herbivore attack and with 
jasmonic acid treatment. The PhD candidate should prepare virus induced 
gene silencing (VIGS) plants with these genes and test the role of these 
genes in herbivore resistance using closed greenhouse conditions. 
Positively tested regulators will be used to construct stable inverted 
repeat-silenced plants, analyzed for changes in gene expression using 
microarray systems and quantitative RT-PCR, changes in metabolic 
profiles, growth, response to hormones and other parameters. The most 
successful plant genotypes will be eventually tested in the field 
station in Utah.

Fellowship
We offer an initial 1-year contract that is extended to a total 3-year 
PhD project, providing adequate performance of the student within the 
first year of study. The studentship is 1000 EUR/month and includes 
other support, e.g. low-priced bus tickets and low-budget accommodation 
in the student dormitory.

Selection procedure
Applications will be reviewed periodically and the position will stay 
opened until suitable candidate is found. The position can be filled 
immediately after the appropriate candidate is selected. The Max-Planck 
Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and students of all 
nationalities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.