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
PhD Student Position (Ref.No. 02/2011)
Insect gut microbiota: community structure and control
Insect gut symbiotic microbiota play essential roles in the growth, development, pathogenesis and environmental adaptation of host insects. 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic microarrays were used to evaluate the total com¬munity structure, spatial and temporal dynamics and the impact of food on gut microbial communities in different herbiv¬orous Lepidoptera. Although Lepidopterans lack a pronounced substructuring in their guts, a stable core-community, consisting of e.g. Enterococcaceae, Lactobacilli, and non-cultivable Clostridia was observed in different lepidopteran larvae. Accordingly, we need to understand the principles that maintain this core community and its function. Our recent discovery that certain lepidopteran larvae are able to synthesize and to secrete large amounts of 8-hydroxy-quinoline (8-HQA) into the gut lumen, could represent such a regulatory element. 8-HQA is a well-known sidero¬phore of generally microbial origin. We want to study whether or not 8-H
QA is produced by the insect to control the gut microbiota via manipul¬ation of the Fe-availa¬bility. Metagenomic analyses together with the recent advancements in next-generation sequencing and modern imaging mass spectroscopic techniques will provide detailed information on the local communities and the level of locally available Fe. The project will also address enzymatic aspects of the biosynthesis of the 8-HQA in the insect. The enzymatic studies on the insect gut tissue will be extended to the development RNAi strategies for the production of KO-mutants of the Lepidopterans to understand the biological significance of 8-HQA in the insect gut.
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 supervisors
- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)
- courses in state-of-the-art technologies and soft skills
- strong communication and interaction between the involved institutions
- Jena – City of Science: innovative business activities, successful scientific centres and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University
Further information:
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Boland, PI
boland@ice.mpg.de
Dr. Christine Vogler, 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
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 in English including the completed “Statement of Interest”, curriculum vitae, copies of relevant certificates (MSc, BSc, etc.), and references should be submitted to:
Deadline for application: November 30, 2011.
Anfangsdatum: 1. März 2012
geschätzte Dauer: 3 years
Bezahlung: TV-L
Homepage: http://www.ilrs.hki-jena.de