Graduate student position: Transcriptional regulation of plant-fungal symbiosis To work on the elucidation of the molecular role of a transcriptional regulator in arbuscular mycorrhiza development: The position is available immediately in the lab of Caroline Gutjahr at the Weihenstephan Campus of the Technical University in Freising, close to Munich. In 2023, the laboratory will move to the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) in Potsdam. The position (income level German 65% TVL E13) is initially for 1 year with planned extension for up to 4 years.
We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of arbuscular mycorrhiza development and function, using a combination of molecular, genetic, cell biological and biochemical methods. The project will be conducted mainly with the model legume Lotus japonicus. Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for molecular, biochemical and cell biological research and we offer a dynamic, international and friendly research ambiance.
At both the Weihenstephan Campus and the MPI-MP there are multiple opportunities for scientific disciplinary and interdisciplinary interaction and core facilities for proteomics, metabolomics and high-end confocal imaging are available.
The aim of the project is to investigate the role of a transcription factor in building an arbuscule containing cell – a plant root cell, which hosts a tree-shaped fungal structure called arbuscule. We are looking for a scientifically excellent and enthusiastic candidate with team-spirit who should be intellectually independent, experimentally accurate. We wish for candidates with a can-do attitude as well as excellent writing and communication skills in English. You should have a solid background in at least one of the following disciplines: molecular biology and genetics, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Some experience with plant-related work is a strong plus.
Candidates from all backgrounds and genders are encouraged to apply. Please send your application including your CV, your list of publications (if any), the names of two referees and a motivation letter stating why you are interested in the topic, why you would like to join the Gutjahr lab and why you would be the right candidate to make progress in the field by email to: caroline.gutjahr@tum.de
Review of applications will start immediately but applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been identified. For further information on the research topic please have a look at the following articles:
For more information visit our lab webpage: http://genetik.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=6
Pimprikar P, Gutjahr C (2018) Transcriptional regulation of arbuscular mycorrhiza
development. Plant Cell Physiology, 59: 673-679.
Pimprikar P, Carbonnel S, Paries M, Katzer K, Klingl V, Bohmer MJ, Karl L, Floss DS, Harrison
MJ, Parniske M, Gutjahr C (2016) A CCaMK-CYCLOPS-DELLA complex activates transcription
of RAM1 to regulate arbuscule branching. Current Biology 26: 987-998.