The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.

We invite applications for a

Expression control and biosynthesis of dehalogenating enzymes from anaerobic soil bacteria in response to the interaction with aerobic halogenating fungi

The research in our group is focused on the elucidation of the interaction between aerobic, lignin-degrading fungi and anaerobic bacteria in the course of halogenation and dehalogenation of organic compounds at the oxic/anoxic interface. Lignin-degrading fungi of boreal forests show the ability to produce chlorinated organic compounds while growing on wood. Chlorinated organic compounds can be subsequently dechlorinated under anoxic conditions by a heterogeneous group of soil bacteria (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria). The key enzymes of the anaerobic dechlorination are the B12-dependent reductive dehalogenases. It was shown very recently that the expression of the dehalogenase-related genes is controlled by the absence or presence of the respective chlorinated substrate in a novel type of long-term regulation.

To examine the functionality of this special microbial food chain three major issues will be studied in more detail: (i) the ecological niche of dechlorinating bacteria in forest soil with respect to hot spots of lignin-degradation will be characterized, (ii) the induction of the reductive dehalogenase gene expression in response to the occurrence of chlorinated organic compounds formed upon fungal lignin-degradation will be investigated, and (iii) the molecular mechanism of the signal transduction from substrate recognition to dehalogenase gene expression will be studied. Established techniques for the investigation of the tetrachloroethene (PCE, perchloroethylene) reductive dehalogenase found in Desulfitobacterium spec. will serve as basis for the identification and characterization of protein factors necessary for the adaptation of the bacterial cells to changes in environmental conditions.

We expect:

- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around “Microbial and biomolecular interactions”. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.

- high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS

- an integrative and cooperative personality

- very good communication skills in English

- a top-level research environment

- efficient supervision by a team of two supervisors

- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)

- courses in novel technologies and soft skills

- a highly communicative atmosphere between the involved institutions

- Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

The positions are available starting in January 2009 and for three years. Salary will be according to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

HKI is an equal opportunity employer.

Further information:

Prof. Dr. Gabriele Diekert,                                   gabriele.diekert@uni-jena.de

Dr. Dorit Schmidt, ILRS Coordinator,            ilrs@hki-jena.de

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de

and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to

ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

To apply:

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de
and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to
ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.