Dr A Pitman, Dr P Fineran
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
A PhD studentship is now available to study horizontal gene transfer and its influence on bacterial genome structure and function at the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research in Lincoln, New Zealand.
Mobile genetic elements contribute to the rapid evolution of bacterial pathogens via horizontal gene transfer of virulence determinants, but can also be detrimental to the bacterial host. As a result, bacteria have evolved to protect themselves using systems such as CRISPR-Cas immunity.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying the acquisition or loss of these islands from the bacterial genome, and the processes by which the cell adapts to these changes to ensure co-ordinated genome expression, will provide fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms driving evolution of virulence. In this project, using CRISPR-Cas targeting approaches, the successful candidate will investigate the effect of acquisition and loss of mobile genetic elements on genome-wide transcription and architectural modifications in the bacterial plant pathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum. The impact of any changes on the survival and virulence of the pathogen on the economically important crop potato will also be investigated.
The project builds on previous collaborative research between Associate Professor Andrew Pitman from Plant & Food Research and Associate Professor Peter Fineran from the University of Otago. The connection will enable the student to gain experience in plant pathology, molecular bacteriology, functional genomics and transcriptomics, image capture, processing and analysis and computer programming for data analysis as well as an understanding of both academic and applied research environments.
The successful candidate will enrol with the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University and be based at the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research in Lincoln, New Zealand.
To apply
Applications should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project as well as a curriculum vitae, full academic transcripts and the names and contact details of at least two referees. Email your applications to Associate Professor Andrew Pitman [Email Address Removed].
Applications from self-funded students with finances secured are also welcomed to work in similar areas within the group.
Funding Notes
The three-year scholarship has a tax-free stipend of NZ$28,000 a year, covers full university fees and includes additional support towards operating expenses.
We are seeking talented and motivated candidates with experience in plant pathology, molecular microbiology or genetics. Applicants must be in possession of (or predicted to obtain) a first or upper second class Bachelor degree or a Master’s degree in a related subject. The position is open to applicants of any nationality, provided they fulfil Lincoln University’s English language requirements http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/international-students/english-language-requirements, can obtain a student visa, and are eligible for admission to the PhD program http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/Lincoln-Home/Study/Postgraduate/Entry-requirements.