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

Interspecific communication in Mucor-like fungi

The early steps of sexual recognition and differentiation Mucor relatives are mediated by retinoid-like substances, the trisporoids. These compounds occur in many derivatives and isomers. They are synthesised by oxidative degradation of b-carotene and are predominantly secreted to the medium. Apart from their crucial role for inducing sexual reactions between mating partners, they are also used for interspecific communication between Mucor-relatives. The biotrophic mycoparasite of many but not all mucoralean fungi, Parasitella parasitica, makes also use of the trisporoid system for recognizing appropriate hosts.

This PhD project aims at analyzing the morphogenetic consequences of interspecific communication in one parasitic and three different sexual interactions. In addition, we intend to analyse the interaction between an endobiotic bacterium and its mucoralean host. This latter unusual mutualism seems to influence the capacity of the fungus for mitotic sporulation.

At the analytic level, the project will concentrate on carotene synthesis, the formation of the major trisporoids, measurement of transcription levels of the corresponding genes by RT-PCR, and on the patterns of secreted enzymes and especially of surface proteins. Surface proteins are believed to take part in partner recognition. Relevant differentiation-specific surface proteins will be partially sequenced and their corresponding genes will be cloned.

Literature

J. Wöstemeyer, C. Schimek (2007) Trisporic acid and mating in zygomycetes. In: Sex in Fungi (J. Heitmann, ed), 431-443, ASM Press.

K. Schultze et al. (2005) Sexuality and parasitism share common regulatory pathways in the fungus Parasitella parasitica. Gene 348, 33-44.

C. Schimek et al. (2003) Sexual reactions in Mortierellales are mediated by the trisporic acid system. Mycol. Res. 107, 736-747.

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

We offer:

- 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. Johannes Wöstemeyer,             b5wojo@rz.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.