Project Description
The field of ecological immunology seeks to understand the evolutionary and ecological process
which shaped and maintained variation in insect immunity. Recently, our group demonstrated
that adaptation by the specialist Heliothis subflexa (Heliothine) to withanolides, an anti-
herbivore compound of Physalis plants, directly and indirectly protect the larvae from bacterial
pathogens [1]. Beyond simply countering plant-produced compounds, H.subflexa has
succeeded in converting the inhibitory effects of withanolides into activation effects for its own
advantage. In the context of a DFG funded project, the PhD student will work on the
mechanisms by which H. subflexa overcame the inhibitory effects of withanolides. The project
is based on three major objectives, (1) Identification and characterization of possible
withanolide receptors or decoy proteins, (2) Analysis of withanolide metabolism, (3) Impact of
withanolides on plant and larval gut microbiome. Furthermore, the PhD student will analyze the
effects of other plant-produced anti-herbivore compounds on the immune system of specialist
insects to identify general effects of plant chemistry on ecological immunology.
We are looking for a motivated student with a University degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) and a
focus on molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, zoology or equivalent discipline. We
expect good verbal and written communication skills. Experience working with proteomic,
transcriptomic and/or metabolomic data as well as knowledge of different research
methodologies (e.g. PCR; DNA, RNA and protein extraction; Western Blot; Enzyme assays;
Cell and/or bacterial cultures; Insect rearing) is a plus.
We offer excellent technical equipment and close supervision in an international environment.
A structured PhD program is offered by our graduate school (IMPRS) which provides
interdisciplinary training by seminars, lectures and scientific workshops. The payment and
benefits are based on the TVöD guidelines and the appointment is for 3 years with possibility of
extension. The position is available from now and will be open until filled.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities
in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas
where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Application
Questions concerning the project or the position are welcome and should be addressed to
Dr. Yannick Pauchet. To apply, please email a statement of motivation, CV and a letter of
reference as a single PDF file to ypauchet@ice.mpg.de.