Claude Becker

This PhD position at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, focuses on the regulation of the biosynthesis of defensive diterpenoids in rice, specifically momilactones. These specialized metabolites have important anti-fungal and plant-growth-inhibiting properties, and their production in rice is highly responsive to environmental factors. The project aims to uncover the transcription factors, genetic elements, and chromatin modulators that control momilactone biosynthesis in response to triggers such as fungal effectors, neighbor perception, and abiotic stress. In addition, the research will identify and characterize downstream elements involved in momilactone production and release, including transporters and modifying enzymes. The work will involve both wet-lab experiments and computational analyses, providing a comprehensive training in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. The successful candidate will join an international and multidisciplinary team, benefiting from a collaborative research environment. Funding is provided through LSM-CSC and DAAD-GSSP, which typically cover tuition and provide a stipend. Applicants should have a background in molecular biology, genetics, or genomics, and experience with plants is advantageous. The application should be submitted via the Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM) online portal. For more information, candidates can contact Prof. Dr. Claude Becker or visit the research group website. References to recent publications are provided for further reading.