PhD opportunity.
Host jump genetics- the mechanisms of pathogen adaptation in Pseudomonas
Supervisors- Dr Robert W. Jackson (Reading), Dr Richard Harrison and Dr Laura Lewis (East Malling Research)
The mechanism by which pathogens cross species barriers to infect a new host is poorly understood, making the movements of host-jumping pathogens extremely unpredictable. The project offered here will focus on Pseudomonas syringae pathovars, which have made several known host-jumps across economically important crops, including wheat, beans, plum and cherry.
The aims of this project are as follows: 1. To sequence the genomes of several Pseudomonas syringae pathovars to assess within and between pathovar diversification in relation to host jump events. 2. To address the hypothesis of whether effectors dictate host specificity and to assess their centrality to host jumping. 3. To initiate a host jump within the laboratory setting and in so doing identify potential causes of host jumping at the molecular level. 4. To link pathogen effectors to resistance relationships in planta to assess whether host-jumping to a new host is modulated by host resistance in the existing host.
The project will use next generation sequencing to sequence the genomes of several pathovars of the plant pathogenic species, and will employ comparative genomics to assess the relationship between effector genes, which are required for virulence, and host jumping events. Molecular techniques will be used to recreate host jumps within the laboratory, which will inform us of the driving forces that bring about host jumps, enabling better predictions of which strains are likely to host jump, and which hosts are they likely to jump to. The student will receive training in genomics and genetics, bioinformatics, plant-microbe interactions, and evolution. The supervisory team are starting a new strategic partnership between Reading and East Malling drawing upon resources in both institutions. The team will collaborate with key scientists in each institute; for example, Dr Louise Johnson will provide valuable advice for the evolutionary experiments.
Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. Please note that due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is for UK/EU applicants only.
How to apply: To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology to the University - see http://www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectivestudents/gs-how-to-apply....
Application Deadline: Friday 15th March 2013
Further Enquiries: Please contact Dr Robert Jackson (r.w.jackson@reading.ac.uk) and Dr Richard Harrison (Richard.Harrison@emr.ac.uk)
Funding Notes:
Funding Details: Studentship will cover Home/EU Fees and pay the Research Council minimum stipend (£13,590 for 2011/12) for up to 3 years. The studentship will begin in October 2013. --East Malling Research registered office: New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ. Tel. 01732-843833. Registered in England No. 5019373. Charity registration No.1102243. The information in this E-Mail and any attachments is confidential, may be legally privileged and is intended to be for the use of the intended recipient/s. If you are not the recipient named above please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may not represent the views of EMR. Activity and use of the East Malling Research E-mail system and any communications using it are monitored to secure its effective operation and for other lawful business purposes.