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

For the past two decades, my group has been studying plant-herbivore, plant-pollinator, and plant-fungal interactions in the model plant ecological expression system, Nicotiana attenuata. We are now beginning to explore how these interactions can be modified by microbial players. For these studies, we have at our disposal a large collection of transformed plants, silenced in various components of their signaling, recognition or down-stream defense responses, microarray, proteomic and metabolomic analytical platforms to analyze the interactions. We are particularly interested in exploring the three following systems, but are open to other ideas as well:

The role of bacteria in the nectar of Nicotiana attenuata nectar. Nectar plays an important role in mediating gene flow in this species and the nectar contains a number of secondary metabolites and ROS (reactive oxygen species) producing proteins that dramatically alter the rate with which nectar is utilized by flower visitors. Given that sugar solutions will rapidly ferment at the high temperatures in which this plant normally grows, anti-microbial functions are clearly important. This project would involve characterize bacterial communities that colonize the nectar of plants with and without these secondary metabolites and ROS producing proteins to better understand how pollinator interactions are influenced by the sterility of the nectar.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are well described in many systems and we have characterized the community of rhizobacteria that influence plant growth and germination in N. attenuata. This project would continue the analysis of isolates which influence growth, but do so without influencing the well characterized ethylene and auxin signaling systems.

3)   Thorns, prickles and spines are a common form of mechanical defense amongst many of the plant species that inhabit the Great Basin Desert. It has been suggested that the effectiveness of this form of mechanical defense can be augmented by the colonization of these sharp protuberances by pathogenic bacteria, which can be interjected into wounds and significantly disable herbivores. This project would involve characterizing the bacterial communities on these protuberances and manipulate their occurrence to see if they alter the effectiveness of these mechanical defenses.

- 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. Ian Baldwin,                                  baldwin@ice.mpg.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.