Predoctoral/Master/PhD Student: The Ma Lab at the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team. We are focused on harnessing the power of gall-inducing insects, nature’s own plant manipulators, to explore the intricate interplay between plant development and defense signaling.
Designation: Predoctoral / Master / PhD Student
Research Area:
Our research revolves around galling insects that hijack existing plant developmental pathways to induce diverse and complex galls. We are establishing a novel gall model using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the Swede Midge. This project encompasses genetics, transcriptomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover genetic and signaling determinants of gall formation, from single cells to whole organ levels.
Location: Gregor Mendel Institute, Vienna BioCenter, Austria
Eligibility/Qualification:
We are looking for inquisitive, independent, and passionate learners with the following qualifications:
- Background in bioinformatics and/or molecular biology.
- Fluency in English (written & oral).
- Experience in handling genome-wide polymorphism data.
- Proficiency in programming is a plus.
- Experience working with plants is a plus.
Job Description:
As a Predoctoral / Master / PhD Student in the Ma Lab, your responsibilities will include:
- Contributing to the establishment of a novel gall model using Arabidopsis thaliana and Swede Midge.
- Characterizing gall development through genetics, transcriptomics, and advanced imaging.
- Conducting GWAS to identify key genetic determinants of gall induction.
- Studying molecular changes in plant cells during gall formation.
- Engaging in advanced cell biology and confocal microscopy techniques.
- Participating in journal clubs, conferences, presentations, and collaborative projects.
- Joining the VBC PhD program for multidisciplinary training in a world-class research environment.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV and a brief motivation letter to Yan Ma at yan.ma@unil.ch. In your letter, please share your interest in our lab, the research questions that intrigue you the most, and your vision for a productive research environment.
For more information, visit our website: Information for Students and Postdocs
The first round of candidate selection will commence on September 18 and will continue until positions are filled. For PhD students, please submit applications through the Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, which opens on September 1.
Last Date for Apply: Rolling admissions until positions are filled.
About the Gregor Mendel Institute:
The Gregor Mendel Institute is an international research institute founded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Our primary goal is to promote excellence in curiosity-driven research within the field of plant molecular biology. We are located at the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s leading hubs for Life Sciences.
Join us 