Dear colleagues,

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD-student to join the long-term research on the interactions between plants, insects & microbes.

For more information see the project description (below) and the following link:

http://www.su.se/english/about/vacancies/vacancies-new-list?rmpage=job&rmjob=2550&rmlang=UK

and don’t hesitate to contact me directly by email,

My best,

Ayco Tack

ayco.tack@su.se

Project description

Plants interact with a large number of insects and microorganisms, including pests like herbivores and pathogens, and mutualists like parasitoids and mycorrhizal fungi. In both agricultural fields and natural communities these microbe and insect species commonly co-occur on the same plant individual. While we know how insects interact with insects, and microbes with microbes, interkingdom interactions among plant-associated microbes and insects have only rarely been investigated. To fill this gap, the current project combines experimental and molecular approaches to gain a predictive understanding of how direct and indirect interactions among insects and microbes structure terrestrial plant-based communities. The project can be subdivided into two modules. The student will first explore the role of these interactions within a community context in a multi-factorial greenhouse experiment, focusing on the food webs surrounding the oak tree Quercus robur, or perennial herbs Plantago lanceolata and Bistorta vivipara. Next, the student will pinpoint the plant-mediated interactions between microbes and insects by probing the response of the plant – in terms of gene expression and defense-related phytohormonal pathways – to microbe, insect and simultaneous attack.