Postdoc in microbe-insect plant interactions: finding the trigger of an insect egg-killing trait
| Location: | Wageningen |
| Hours: | 32 |
| Function | |
| A promising alternative to the application of chemical pesticides is the implementation of crops resistant to insect pests. The goal of this research project is to unravel the genetic basis and molecular mechanism involved in a plant defence trait that is lethal to insect eggs. Plants can resist the onset of herbivore attack by perceiving and responding to insect eggs. The consequences of plant responses to eggs are that insect larvae do not hatch or that they are impeded in development, and damage to the plant is reduced. Up to now, little is known on the mechanisms and on the genetic basis of egg-killing traits but potentially may be tied to the egg microbiome. Making use of egg-killing defense traits in crops is a promising new way to sustainably reduce losses of crop yield. As a postdoctoral student you will characterize the egg-derived molecule(s) of an egg-killing trait in a cabbage crop resembling responses to pathogen attack (i.e. hypersensitive response). You will explore the egg microbiome and its role herein by using the latest sequencing techniques, use proteomics and mass spectrometry techniques to conquer insect-related molecules and validate candidate molecules using mutants. This project is part of a NWO/STW VIDI project and executed in close collaboration with vegetable breeding and seed companies. You will be co-supervising a PhD student who focuses on finding the genetic basis of this plant trait, and supported by a technician as well as collaborating with researchers at Wageningen University, national and international institutes with expertise in population genetics, plant and insect (phylo)genomics, plant pathology and bioinformatics. |
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| Function Requirements | |
| The successful candidate is an (experiaence) postdoc with a PhD degree in Biology/Plant sciences with a specialization in microbiology or similar, and experience with insect/plant-microbe interactions, knowledge on sequencing techniques, metobolomic and/or transcriptional analysis, bioinformatics and statistical analyses of large datasets. We are looking for a highly motivated plant/insect microbiologist who can work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit. Within the Biosystematics group, postdoctoral students are encouraged to assist in teaching undergaduates. | |
| Working conditions | |
| We offer a part-time position (32 hours), for one year initially. An extension for another two years is possible. The gross salary is max € 4.028 (scale 10 CAO Dutch Universities) for a full-time position depending on former experience. | |
| Contactinformation | |
| Information on the research: Dr. Nina E. Fatouros, +31(0)317 483160, nina.fatouros@wur.nl Information on the selection procedure: Mrs. Hedwig Casteels (hedwig.casteels@wur.nl). You can apply up and until October 9the 2016 Don’t email directly to the people mentioned above but use the website to apply. |
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| Organization | |
| You will join the new research team into the plant responses mediated by insect egg deposition, headed by Dr. Fatouros, which is embedded in the Biosystematics group at Wageningen University. We study the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect interactions and collaborate with plant physiologists, molecular biologists, entomologists, and microbiologists. At the Biosystematics group the focus on the origin and maintance of plant, fungus and insect biodiversity, above and below species level. The Biosystematics group is part of the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University. Wageningen University and Research Centre: |