Bacterial plant pathogens inject effector proteins into host cells, that manipulate host cellular processes to promote disease. Certain genotypes of otherwise susceptible plant species express resistance (R) proteins that recognise effectors and, in turn, mount an immune response that prevents the pathogen from multiplying. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which effectors either increase host susceptibility or induce plant immunity is a central goal of molecular phytopathology, as it will ultimately enable the targeted breeding of pest-resistant crops.

We study the molecular interaction between AvrBs7, an effector protein of the bacterial phytopathogen Xanthomonas gardnerii , and Bs7, a pepper ( Capsicum ) R protein that induces an immune response upon recognition of AvrBs7 ( Potnis 2012 ). Previous studies have shown that AvrBs7 dephosphorylates inositol phosphate (InsPs) ( Blüher 2017 ), a metabolite that functions as an intracellular messenger and whose phosphorylation status indicates to plants whether inorganic phosphate is available in the environment or not. The aim of the advertised PhD project is to elucidate the molecular basis of how AvrBs7 promotes bacterial growth and how Bs7 recognises AvrBs7.

The PhD position is available at the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP) a leading international centre for plant molecular research that hosts numerous research groups investigating plant-microbe interactions.

Experience with work in the field of plant-microbe interaction is an advantage, but not essential. Applicants must have a Master's degree in molecular biology or biochemistry. Please include scanned transcripts with your application. Applicants should submit a CV, including contact details of two or more referees.  Candidates should be creative, willing to be an independent researcher and able to work collaboratively in a team. Candidates must have good communication skills and be fluent in written and spoken English. German knowledge is useful but not essential. The PhD candidate will be integrated in the ZMBP graduate program .

Please include a covering letter explaining why you're excited about applying for this project. We're really looking for applicants who are excited about the project and have a strong motivation to get involved.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The University of Tübingen is committed to increasing the proportion of women in science, and qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.