A post-doctoral contract (2 years) is offered associated with the Project “Auxins as signal molecules in beneficial and pathogenic bacteria associated with plants” (PID2023-146281NB-I00)
Center: Zaidín Experimental Station (EEZ-CSIC, Granada; https://www.eez.csic.es/).
LOCATION: Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Group (https://www.eez.csic.es/microbiologia-ambiental-y-biotecnologia).
PROJECT SUMMARY: The plant microbiome is key to plant growth and health. The interaction between plants and microorganisms involves a complex network of signal molecules (SM). Among these, auxin indoleacetic acid (IAA) – a phytohormone essential for plant growth and development – is emerging as a vital MS in plant-bacteria communication. In fact, a growing number of studies indicate that IAA acts as an MS in bacteria, regulating relevant processes during the interaction
with plants. However, the mechanisms through which IAA modulates these processes are mostly unknown. To advance this knowledge, a contract is offered focused on the analysis of the molecular mechanisms of IAA recognition in different phytopathogenic and plant growth-promoting bacteria, as well as the study of the processes controlled by this auxin in these microorganisms. To achieve the objectives, multidisciplinary approaches will be used in vivo, in vitro e in silico,
including microbiology, plant‐bacteria interaction, molecular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, high‐throughput ligand screening, microcalorimetry, bioinformatics and crystallography. The results will have future implications for the development of new strategies to promote plant growth and biocontrol phytopathogens.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in molecular microbiology and/or protein biochemistry. Experience in the field of beneficial plant-bacteria interaction (promotion of plant growth) and phytopathogenesis will be positively valued, in addition to a good level of English, both spoken and written.
RELEVANT GROUP PUBLICATIONS: Monteagudo‐Cascales et al. (2024) Nat Commun 15:5867; Rico‐Jimenez et al. (2024) mSystems 9:e0016524; Roca et al. (2024) Microb Biotechnol 17:e14420; Rico‐Jiménez et al. (2023) Microb Biotechnol 16:1671‐168; Gavira et al. (2023) mBio 14:e0336322; Matilla et al. (2023) Curr Opin Microbiol 75:102358; Matilla et al. (2023) Trends Microbiol 31:1085‐1086; Matilla et al. (2022) mBio 13:e0247222; Gumerov et al. (2022) PNAS 119:e2110415119; Matilla et al. (2022) FEMS Microbiol Rev 46:fuab043.
Principal investigators: Miguel A. Matilla and Amalia Roca
Interested persons should contact Miguel A. Matilla (miguel.matilla@eez.csic.es) o Amalia Roca (amaliaroca@ugr.es).
