PhD on Epidemiology and genetics of wheat rust fungi

 

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Agroecology programme. The position is available from 01 September 2022 or later.
 

Title:
Epidemiology and genetics of wheat rust fungi

Research area and project description:
This PhD position is part of a new 5-year project on temperature induced disease resistance in wheat, which has been awarded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The overall aim of the project is to explore the role of temperature induced resistance to wheat rust fungi, thereby improving the overall impact and durability of disease resistance as a component of the green transition towards a sustainable food production under climate change. The project is a partnership between three research groups at Aarhus University and the private breeding company Nordic Seed A/S.  

The aim of the PhD project is to investigate the genetics of virulence in Puccinia striiformis causing yellow rust in wheat, and to explore the effect and durability of temperature induced resistance in wheat. We will utilize access to unique stocks of multiple variants of P. striiformis isolates of known evolutionary origin, including unique sexual progeny populations. During your PhD study, you will get the opportunity to gain insights into plant-pathogen interactions from molecular to macroscopic level, host plant resistance mechanisms and in-depth understanding of the genetics behind important traits such as virulence. Both macroscopic and advanced microscopic techniques, as well as molecular genotyping and virulence assays of pathogen isolates, and associated data analytic tools will be applied.

You will join the research team at the Global Rust Reference Center (GRRC), which is a global hub for rust research and a key player in European as well as global networks on wheat rust fungi. We are an international team of 10-12 students, technicians and scientists who look forward to work with you.

The project will be located at Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark. Place of work: Global Rust Reference Center, Flakkebjerg, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark. During your PhD you are expected to work 3-6 months in a different lab outside Denmark. Contacts: Further information from senior scientist Annemarie Fejer Justesen (annemariefejer.justesen@agro.au.dk) and tenure track scientist Chris Khadgi Sørensen (chris.sorensen@agro.au.dk), and the GRRC website: https://agro.au.dk/forskning/internationale-platforme/wheatrust/

Project description. For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree in Biology or Agronomy. Knowledge about plant pathology, genetics and plant-pathogen interactions will be an advantage.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:

• Senior Scientist Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Annemariefejer.justesen@agro.au.dk
• Tenure track scientist Chris Khadgi Sørensen, chris.sorensen@agro.au.dk 

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application. Application deadline is 31 May 23:59 CEST. Preferred starting date is 1 September 2022.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.