PhD Fellowship in Chemical Ecology and Nematology at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

This PhD project is hosted by the Chemical Ecology Group and the Nematology Group (www.ice3.se)

Chemical communication in the rhizosphere is a current frontier in biology. Volatiles released aboveground from green plants are known to mediate interactions with other plants, microorganisms and arthropods. In comparison, root exudates and their biological activity remain to be explored.

Required qualifications:
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to study underground chemical communication, especially with respect to attraction of phytophagous nematodes to the roots of their host plants.

We propose to study potato root exudate by chemical analysis and to test its biological activity, for hatching and attraction of potato cyst nematodes. The candidate will compare the chemistry of hatching factors and attractants, and will study the variation of these cues in different potato cultivars, during phenological development, and in response to herbivory. The identification of attractants for plant parasitic nematodes has not been achieved. This work is an opportunity, also with respect to the development of novel and sustainable plant protection methods.

Ideal candidates will have a background in agronomy, biology or chemistry. Applicants should be fluent in spoken and written English.

We are an international team of ca. 30 researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral students. SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

More information:
Sanja Manduric, phone: +46-40-415261, email: sanja.manduricatvv.slu.se, Marie Bengtsson, phone: +46-40-415308, email: marie.bengtssonatvv.slu.se, Peter Witzgall, phone: +46-40-415307, email: peter.witzgallatice3.se

Labour union representatives:
Andrus Kangro +46 40 41 54 79 (SACO) and Jörgen Olsson +46 40 41 54 31 (ST).

Application
Submit three copies of your application labeled with the Reference number 3905/06 no later than March 1, 2007 to:

“Registrator”
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Box 7070
SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden

The application should contain a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references.