Gerardo Puopolo

PhD opportunity in plant–microbe interactions , microbiology , plant physiology , metabolomics , and environmental science at the University of Trento (UniTrento C3A), in collaboration with Fondazione Edmund Mach and Laimburg Research Centre . The project, titled MITIFROST , investigates how cold-tolerant alpine bacteria may help protect crops such as apples and grapevines from late spring frost and freezing stress. The research combines selection of beneficial bacteria, analysis of plant physiological responses, identification of metabolites involved in stress mitigation, and study of plant–microbe interactions. Methods include plant physiology and stress assays , metabolomics (UHPLC-MS) , microbiology , and experimental plant systems. The project is especially relevant for students interested in climate change adaptation in agriculture , sustainable crop protection, and biological solutions to frost damage. Eligibility highlights: background in plant science , microbiology , biotechnology , or related fields; interest in climate stress biology and plant–microbe interactions ; and experience in lab-based research and data analysis . Funding: fully funded 3-year PhD with a stipend of €21,750/year (about €1,650/month ). Deadline: 2026-05-28 . Applicants should review the admission call and submit the application through the UniTrento portal.