The Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology (IPMB) provides an excellent in-house infrastructure as well as access to the central genomics facilities. IPMB focuses on research and teaching of genetic, molecular, biochemical, developmental, evolutionary, and cellular aspects of plants and their interactions with other organisms, as well as on limnology, aquatic ecology, microbial evolution and ecology, and microbiology.
Your responsibilities
The successful applicant will use biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches to characterize LR14a, novel types of disease proteins in wheat confers race-specific resistance against leaf rust and encodes a membrane-bound ankyrin-repeat protein (see Nature Communications). The applicant will play a key role in the further biochemical and molecular characterization of this novel type of resistance protein to gain a mechanistic functional understanding. The envisaged project involves identifying interaction partners from the host and the pathogen, as well as protein functional studies in homologous and heterologous systems. For recent publications in the group also see: scholar.google.com (Beat Keller).
Your profile
- Proven experience in in-vitro/in-vivo protein biochemistry and molecular biology, ideally in the field of plant-microbe interactions. It is expected strong skills in at least one of the following techniques: IP-MS, two-hybrid screenings; protein expression, purification and biochemical characterization
- Experience with mammalian expression systems will be advantageous
- Good publication record in international well-recognized journals
- Ability to frame questions and to test them experimentally
- Writing skills for scientific publications
- Excellent English communication skills and the ability to both work in a team and individually
What we offer
We offer an international, English-speaking work environment. Zürich is located centrally in Europe and offers easy access to outdoor activities particularly in the Swiss alps.
Place of work
Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology
Zollikerstrasse 108
8008 Zurich
Switzerland
Start of employment
Ideally, January 2022 (position is open immediately), but given the current COVID19 situation, we are flexible. The position is available for 2-3 years. The successful candidate will be involved in some teaching activities (1 week/year).
Applications will be reviewed from December 1, 2021 until the position is filled.
The position is funded by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation and in-house funding.
Further information
Questions on this position can be addressed to Dr. Javier Sanchez or Prof. Dr. Beat Keller
Send a single PDF titled LR14aposition_familyname to Dr. Javier Sanchez with CV including publication list, a short (max. 2 pages) motivation letter explaining your interest in, and qualification for the position and contact details of 2-3 referees.