Cool PhD position just opened up!
PhD Position in Signaling at the Plasma Membrane / Cell Wall Interface in Plants
A Ph.D. position is available in the lab of Prof. Kay Schneitz, Dept. of Plant Developmental Biology, Technical University of Munich in Freising/Germany.
Plant cells are encapsulated by a semi-rigid and biochemically complex cell wall. Cell wall remodeling is central to cell growth and to the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The signal transduction mechanisms underlying the nexus of cell wall integrity, development, and stress are poorly understood. Recent data from our lab revealed that the Arabidopsis receptor kinase STRUBBELIG (SUB) plays a central role in this signaling network (1-4). The successful candidate will combine genetic, biochemical, cell biological and advanced live imaging approaches (FRET-FLIM, fluorescence anisotropy) to investigate the role of SUB in the control of cell wall integrity and development. Starting date is March 2023 but is negotiable. Funding is at the usual TV-L E13/2 level. Prerequisites include a German masters (with a mark of 2.5 or better), a French DEA (a final average of 13 or higher), or a master’s thesis.
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist trained in molecular and cell biology with a strong interest in interdisciplinary work at the interface of plant cell and developmental biology and the response to stress. The person should have good problem-solving skills and be able to work independently. Fluency in English is a must. Freising is located about 35 km to the north of Munich. Munich is a lively, cosmopolitan city close to beautiful lakes and the Alps.
References:
[1] Chen et al. (2022) The Arabidopsis MCTP member QUIRKY regulates the formation of the STRUBBELIG receptor kinase complex. bioRxiv dx.doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.20.508642.
[2] Chaudhary and Schneitz (2022) Using steady-state fluorescence anisotropy to study protein clustering. Methods Mol Biol 2457: 253-260.
[3] Chaudhary et al. (2021) Cell wall damage attenuates root hair patterning and tissue morphogenesis mediated by the receptor kinase STRUBBELIG. Development 148: dev199425.
[4] Chaudhary et al. (2020) The Arabidopsis receptor kinase STRUBBELIG regulates the response to cellulose deficiency. PLOS Genetics 16: e1008433.
Please submit your application as a single PDF file by email to office.plantdev.wzw@ tum.de.
TUM is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qualifications.
For further information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Kay Schneitz
Plant Developmental Biology, TU München, D-85354 Freising
Email: kay.schneitz[at]tum.de
URL: http://plantdev.wzw.tum.de
Twitter: @PlantDevTUM
Mastodon: @kay@mstdn.science