PhD student in phytochemistry and metabolomics

We are what we eat- This old Chinese saying is especially true for insect herbivores that feed on a single plant during their whole development. As part of an international collaboration, we recently started to investigate the role of benzoxazinoids (BXDs) in plant-insect interactions. BXDs are key defensive metabolites in grasses, and our project aims at unraveling their role in maize resistance by investigating both the plant and the insect simultaneously. By bringing together plant biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, behavior and insect physiology, this initiative will contribute significantly to the application of BXDs as a model for plant-insect coevolution and as natural pest control agents. In this context, we are inviting applications for a

PhD student in phytochemistry and metabolomics Based at the University of Neuchatel

and in collaboration with the University of Geneva, the student will investigate the biochemistry of BXDs and other active metabolites in the interaction of maize with different insect herbivores. This includes developing metabolomic approaches for studying plant-insect interactions and analytical methods for quantitative BXDs profiling, purifying and identifying new metabolites. Furthermore, the successful candidate will establish a close collaboration with the other partners of the initiative working on molecular, ecological and applied aspects of the system. In this context, a highly integrated workflow will ensure that results are quickly exchanged and hypotheses generated by one discipline will be taken up and tested by the others.

We expect: A master thesis in phytochemistry, analytical chemistry or a related field. Knowledge in chromatography and mass spectrometry is required. A strong background in plant biology would be an asset. A high interdisciplinary interest coupled with willingness to visit partner-laboratories and conferences on a regular basis.

We offer: An excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists from different nationalities and scientific backgrounds. The possibility to work on high-end LC-MS and NMR equipments and learn state-of-the art techniques from “genes to agroecosystems”. A pleasant surrounding with a high quality of live and outstanding public services. The application procedure will run until a suitable candidate is found.

The starting date for the PhD is flexible, but should be no later than March 2012. Please send your application (Word or pdf document) including a CV, letter of motivation and research interests as well as the names and addresses of two referees via e-mail to: gaetan.glauser@unine.ch.

For more information, contact: The project leader, Matthias Erb (merb@ice.mpg.de), or the supervisors in Neuchâtel, Gaetan Glauser (gaetan.glauser@unine.ch) and Geneva, Jean-Luc Wolfender (jean-luc.wolfender@unige.ch).