PhD studentship in Plant-Fungal Symbiotic Interactions (Palmerston North, New Zealand)

A Bio-Protection Research Centre funded PhD studentship is available to pursue PhD research on signalling in a fungal endophyte-grass symbiotic interaction. The project is based in the Institute of Molecular BioSciences (IMBS), Massey University, Palmerston North and will be jointly supervised by Professor Barry Scott and Dr Carla Eaton. The research is collaborative with Ass Prof Daigo Takemoto, Nagoya University, Japan.

Epichloë festucae is a biotrophic fungus that forms symbiotic associations with temperate grasses of the Festuca and Lolium species. The association between E. festucae and L. perenne (perennial ryegrass) is an ideal experimental system to study this fungal-plant symbiotic interaction. Integral to the establishment and maintenance of this association is mutual communication between the endophyte and host partner.

A key signal transduction pathway for regulating various cellular processes during development and pathogenesis in filamentous fungi, and that acts upstream of MAP kinase pathways, involves the heterotrimeric G proteins. These complexes have universal roles as mediators for transferring external cellular signals from G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) to downstream effectors in eukaryotes.

The aim of this research is to test whether any of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) found in E. festucae are essential for the symbiosis, and to dissect their role in downstream signalling through the heterotrimeric G proteins. The results of this work will provide fundamental insights into understanding the molecular basis for why there is such a fine balance between whether a fungal-plant interaction will be mutualistic or pathogenic.

We are looking for a highly motivated student with a keen interest in fungal-plant symbiotic interactions with a BSc(Hons) or MSc degree in Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline. Experience in fungal genetics and biology would be an advantage.

The studentship provides for an annual stipend of $28,000 plus domestic fees for a period of 3 years.

Applications, including a CV and full contact details of two referees should be sent to Professor Barry Scott, Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University by 1 December 2011. Email: d.b.scott@massey.ac.nz


Barry Scott
d.b.scott@massey.ac.nz
Massey University
Palmerston North, New Zealand