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. 10/2011)
Phermone signaling through inositol phosphate, Ras/Rho, cAMP and MAPK signaling in the model basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune
The mating between two compatible strains of basidiomycetes necessary for reproduction is governed by two mating type loci, one of which codes for a pheromone receptor and several pheromones which induce signalling and mating response in non-self mates. Intracellular signal transduction after recognition of mating pheromones has been postulated to be based on MAPK cascade, cAMP and Ras/Rho signaling. The currently annotated genome sequence of Schizophyllum allowed to identify additional genes associated with mating type loci that are involved in the multiallelic mating system which allows for more than 20,000 mating types found in nature. A transcriptome study using several mutant, transformant and mated strains allowed us to identify genes regulated upon pheromone response. Surprisingly, the analyses identified several genes involved in a new signaling cascade, the inositol phosphate pathway. In the proposed PhD project, we would like to investigate this specific pathway for
the first time in a basidiomycete through transformation/gene knock-out studies. Building on our earlier studies on cAMP and Ras signalling, we now plan a comprehensive study to understand the interrelations and cross-talk between the different signaling cascades. The signals of pheromone recognition will be analyzed on a functional level and correlated with phenotypic changes in cell biology and fruitbody development. The results of the PhD project thus might yield information for mushroom breeding and production, also with commercially important basidioymcete mushrooms.
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. Erika Kothe, PI
erika.kothe@uni-jena.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.