PhD fellowships in animal-plant interaction in Max Planck Institute, Germany

The department of Molecular Ecology at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology invites applications for two PhD fellowships for the Project:

"Mobile signals in plant defense against insects"

Upon insect attack, plants activate a highly effective immune system. Interestingly, this does not only happen locally above ground, but involves the belowground tissues as well: Roots provide toxic secondary metabolites for the leaves and serve as dynamic storage organs for future regrowth. But how exactly do the leaves "tell" the roots about the ongoing attack?

Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines molecular biology, phytochemistry, plant physiology and plant-insect ecology, you will attempt to identify leaf-to-root signals in wild tobacco and test for their ecological relevance in the field. The project will be integrated into our newly established group on root-environment interactions in tobacco, and may significantly contribute to our understanding of plant-insect interactions.

We look for students with a completed Master degree or equivalent who have a strong background in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, systems biology and/or ecology. Highly motivated candidates with solid training in other areas of biology are also encouraged to apply.

We offer an excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists from different nationalities in the Department of Molecular Ecology (director: Prof. Ian T. Baldwin) at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2011. Interviews will start in April. The positions will be available from May 1st, 2011.

Please send your application including CV, letter of motivation and two references via e-mail to Dr. Matthias Erb (matthias.erb@unine.ch)