Postdoctoral Fellow
Molecular Identification of Plant Immunity Genes Involved in Non-Host Resistance of Triticale to the Wheat Powdery Mildew Pathogen-Beat Keller’s Group UZH Full-time
Position Description
The successful applicant will use genetic, molecular and bioinformatic approaches to identify the host genes involved in host determination of the mildew pathogen that has recently adapted to the Triticale host. The work builds on earlier findings of hybridization as the cause of adaptation of mildew to triticale (https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.3485 , https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nph.15529) and the genetic analysis of host determinants in the mildew pathogen (Müller et al., unpublished). Based on the pathogen analysis, corresponding genes involved in non-host resistance will be identified using mutagenesis and mutant chromosome sequencing (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13059-016-1082-1). Functional analysis will include studies in wheat and Triticale as well as in the heterologous N. benthamiana system. For recent publications in the group also see: scholar.google.com/ (Beat Keller).
Requirements and requested skills:
− Proven experience (including publications in international well recognized journals) in genetics or molecular biology, ideally in the field of host pathogen interactions.
− Strong bioinformatic background to handle large genomic sequencing datasets. Programming skills (e.g. Python) are preferred.
− Experience in phytopathology is desirable but not essential.
− Ability to frame questions and to test them experimentally and bioinformatically.
− Writing skills for scientific publications.
− Very good English communication skills and ability to both work in a team and individually.
Starting date: Ideally, early Summer 2021 (position is open immediately), but given the current situation we are flexible. The position is available for 2-3 years. The successful candidate will be involved in some teaching activities (1 week/year).
Application procedure:
− Send a single PDF titled Hostspecifity_familyname to javier.sanchezmartin@botinst.uzh.ch with CV including publication list, a short (max. 2 pages) motivation letter explaining your interest in, and qualification for the position and contact details of 2-3 referees.
− Applications will be reviewed from April 20, 2021 until the position is filled.
Additional Information:
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology provides an excellent in-house infrastructure as well as access to the central genomics facilities (https://fgcz.ch/). We offer an international, English-speaking work environment. Zürich is located centrally in Europe and offers easy access to outdoor activities particularly in the Swiss alps.
The position is funded by a grant from the University Research Priority Programme “Evolution in Action” https://www.evolution.uzh.ch/en.html. Questions on this position can be addressed to javier.sanchezmartin@botinst.uzh.ch, marion.mueller@botinst.uzh.ch or Prof. Dr. Beat Keller (bkeller@botinst.uzh.ch).