Ph.D. Student Position in Molecular Plant-Pathogen Interactions
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
A Ph.D. student position is available in the group of Dr. Zhengqing Fu at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. The area is molecular plant-pathogen interactions with a focus on salicylic acid signaling. Previous work identified the first mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase called HopU1 in plants or plant pathogens (Fu et al., 2007. Nature 447: 284). HopU1, as a type III effector from the plant bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, targets RNA-binding proteins to suppress plant defense. It was reported that NPR3 and NPR4 function as the salicylic acid receptors in plants (Fu et al., 2012. Nature 486: 228). The research projects focus on two topics: how plants activate salicylic acid-mediated immunity against pathogen infection (Chen et al., 2021, Science Advances7: eabl7173, Chang et al., 2019. Molecular Plant 12: 678 and Chen et al, 2019. Plant Physiology DOI:10.1104/pp.19.00124) and how plant pathogens modify salicylic acid pathway to cause diseases (Qi et al., 2018. Molecular Plant 11: 1427). Recently, we discovered that salicylic acid promotes the interaction between NPR1 and the P. syringae type III effector AvrPtoB. AvrPtoB mediates the degradation of NPR1 via the 26S proteasome dependent on its E3 ligase activity to subvert plant immunity (Chen et al., 2017. Cell Host & Microbe 22: 777). We are seeking to recruit a creative and motivated person to fill this position. The incumbent is expected to develop innovative approaches to address fundamental questions in salicylic acid signaling and/or molecular plant-pathogen interactions. We are part of an interactive plant group of internationally recognized faculty. Columbia is located in the Midlands of South Carolina only two to three hours away from the Appalachian Mountains and the beautiful Atlantic coastline.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual with strong background in molecular biology and proficiency in spoken and written English to fill this position.
How to apply:
Please apply for graduate admission to the Department of Biological Sciences from the University of South Carolina graduate school website at https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/graduate_school/apply/index.php. The deadline is Dec. 1st, 2024. Inquiry letter should be sent to Dr. Zhenqing Fu at zfu@mailbox.sc.edu.
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