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. 01/2011) Mutualistic microbial associates of Nicotiana attenuata
Many soil microbes have intimate relationships with plant roots and through a variety of poorly described mechanisms improve the growth and fitness of their host plants. In some situations, these fitness benefits are most clearly seen when the host plants are under various sorts of biotic and abiotic stresses. Nicotiana attenuata (Coyote tobacco) is an annual plant native to the Great Basin Desert, USA, and germinates as “pioneer” plant in the post-fire environment. We have analyzed the culturable microbial community of N. attenuata plants grown in soil collected from the plant’s native habitat in Utah and examined the effects of the isolated microbes on plant growth. In addition to wild type (WT) plants, genetically modified 35S-etr1 plants which are unable to perceive the phytohormone, ethylene, and hence grow poorly in their native habitat, were included in this study. 35S-etr1 plants, in comparison to WT plants, did not restrict microbial entry and growth into their roots
and apparently had an “open immigration policy” with regard to their endophytic microbial community. Interestingly, 35S-etr1 plants offered housing to a plant growth promoting (PGP) Bacillus megaterium strain, which had strong positive effects on plant growth and alleviated some of the negative effects associated with the plant’s inability to perceive ethylene. This observation lead to the hypothesis that plants that harbored various mutations (such as phytohormone mutants, which we have found to occur in native populations) might be able to recruit particular microbes to help them compensate for their fitness deficiencies. As such, these facultative mutualistic associations with microbes could be viewed as part of the plant’s extended phenotype.
Native N. attenuata populations are genetically highly diverse and the overarching aim of this project is to identify how frequently these sorts of associations occur. The project will involve identifying genetically impaired N. attenuata plants in native populations and analyzing the active microbial community associated with them. To do so, we will use SIP-DGGE, a technique combining stable isotope probing with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The same plant tissues will also be used for extracting culturable bacterial strains. After identification, these strains will be tested for PGP effects and promising isolates will be returned to the field for PGP observations in order to test if stressed plants can indeed “recruit helpers” from the microbial underground.
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. Ian T. Baldwin, PI
baldwin@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
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 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