Doktorarbeit: Chemo-ecological interactions between Trichoderma spp. and soil fauna, Uni Göttingen

Fachgebiete: Biologie
Thema: Doktorarbeit: Chemo-ecological interactions between Trichoderma spp. and soil fauna
Ansprechpartner: Prof. Michael Rostas
Antwort an: michael.rostas@uni-goettingen.de
Institution: Nutzpflanzenwissenschaften
Ort: 37077 Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 6

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Trichoderma species are soil-borne filamentous fungi widely utilized for their many plant health benefits, such as conferring improved growth, disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance to their hosts. However, a major drawback in the use of biocontrol agents is their high variability in efficacy due to a lack of understanding of the complex interactions between the agent and its biotic and abiotic environment. This PhD project will investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant health benefits by exploring the chemo-ecological interactions between crop plants, Trichoderma spp. and the root feeding soil fauna. Research will focus on the role of Trichoderma volatile organic compounds, which are known to inhibit phytopathogenic fungi and to play a signalling role in plant resistance.

Methoden:
The successful candidate will use a combination of insect behavioural experiments, chemical analysis and molecular tools to gain insight into belowground processes. Hypotheses generated in laboratory experiments will be put to the test in field experiments under real world conditions.

Anfangsdatum: 1. Januar 2018

geschätzte Dauer: 3 Jahre

Bezahlung: TV-L E13 (50%)

Veröffentlichungen:
Nieto-Jacobo et al. (2017)Frontiers in Plant Science, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.00102

Rostás et al. (2015) Oecologia, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-014-3104-6


Homepage: http://www.agrarentomologie.uni-goettingen.de/

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative candidate with a keen interest in working with insects, plants and fungi and employing molecular and chemical analytical techniques, in particular GC-MS. Solid knowledge in experimental design, statistics and scientific writing in English is expected. A master in biology, agriculture or related discipline is a prerequisite.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The University has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.
To apply, please provide ( 1) a letter of motivation including a statement of your research experience, (2) a CV including publication list, (3) copies of your degrees and (4) contact details of two referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. Documents must be sent by e-mail as single PDF file to sonja.warnecke@uni-goettingen.de . For further information please contact Prof. Michael Rostás (michael.rostas@uni-goettingen.de). Application deadline: 30 November 2018