Master theses position (m/f/d)
Research Overview:
We invite a master student to participate in an exciting research project aimed at understanding the relationship between light, endophytic bacteria, and plant defense mechanisms against pests through a comprehensive metagenomic analysis. Leaf samples for a metagenomic study have been collected from two distinct regions, spanning 69.6° North and 50.9° North, representing the artic and temperate zones.
Project Scope
Metagenomic Analysis:
Explore the microbial communities inhabiting plant leaves from diverse geographical locations through advanced metagenomic techniques.
Experimental Validation:
Conduct hands-on experiments to validate findings, investigating the influence of light conditions on endophytic bacteria distribution and its impact on plant resilience against pests (insects or pathogens).
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize molecular biology techniques for DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
- Design and execute controlled experiments to assess the effects of varying light conditions on endophytic bacteria and plant response to pest challenges.
- Analyze data and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of results.
Requirements:
- Enrolled in a master's program in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and data analysis.
- Strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in plant-microbe interactions.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV along with a brief statement of interest highlighting their relevant experience and motivation for this research opportunity.
Contact Information: Dr. Clabe Wekesa Postdoc Researcher MIT Group, Max Plank Institute for Chemical Ecology C/C PD. Dr. Axel Mithöfer
The Max Planck Society is one of Europe's leading research organizations and conducts basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities. The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena carries out fundamental research on how organisms communicate with each other via chemical signals. We analyze ecological interactions with molecular, chemical and neurobiological techniques. In the Institute, organic chemists, biochemists, ecologists, entomologists, behavioral scientists, insect geneticists and physiologists work in collaboration to unravel the complexity of chemical communication that occurs in nature.
The Max Planck Society and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are very committed to equal opportunities, diversity as well as gender equality. We actively support a healthy work-life balance compatibility and the compatibility of work and family and have set ourselves the goal of employing more severely disabled people as well as groups that are underrepresented in science and especially in the given field of activity. Therefore, we explicitly encourage them to apply and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Have we sparked your interest? Please apply. We are looking forward to getting your complete application documents.
Website: www.ice.mpg.de
Application Deadline is December 14, 2023
