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Postdoctoral position available at INRAE Montpellier

Molecular function of effectors from plant pathogenic fungi

The Cesari lab in the Plant Health Institute of Montpellier (UMR PHIM, Montpellier, France), is searching for a postdoc with experience in plant and/or fungal molecular genetics and plant-microbe interactions to join us on a project funded by an ERC starting grant on the role of fungal effectors during plant infection.

RESEARCH

Our group is interested in the molecular function of fungal effectors during infection of cereal species. We have recently discovered a particularly large and diverse family of effectors in the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae: the MAX (Magnaporthe AVRs and ToxB-like) effector family. Remarkably, these effectors possess various protein sequences but exhibit a conserved structure. The MAX effector family is specific to ascomycete fungi and has undergone massive expansion in M. oryzae, suggesting its primary role in the infection process. Nonetheless, the cellular mechanisms they target in the host are largely unknown. The aim of the project is to identify the host proteins targeted by M. oryzae MAX effectors and conduct a comprehensive study of the structural and functional interactions between MAX effectors and their target proteins in rice. We offer an innovative and scientifically stimulating environment with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including plant and fungus growth facilities as well as equipment for molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell imaging. Montpellier is a center for research in Life Sciences and a beautiful and lively city in the south of France, close to the Mediterranean Sea

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

I am looking for a talented Postdoc scientist with demonstrated experience in research topics related to plant-microbe interactions and/or plant and/or fungal molecular biology. An expertise in protein-protein interaction analyses (pull-down, Co-IP, yeast two-hybrid), plant and/or fungal molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and protein localization by confocal microscopy imaging is required. Candidates must have obtained their PhD within the last 5 years and have published at least one first-author peer-reviewed research paper. Excellent English communication skills are expected. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as creativity, motivation and ability to work in a team. Candidates should also have a good ability to conduct independent research and supervise technicians and students. 

DURATION & STARTING DATE

The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility for renewal for up to two years. The salary is depending on experience. The starting date is 1st of August 2021 at the earliest but may be postponed if necessary. 

HOW TO APPLY

If interested, please contact Stella Cesari at stella.cesari@inrae.fr. Provide a single PDF containing a CV and a brief statement of research interests and qualifications, and arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

  • Guo et al. Specific recognition of two MAX effectors by integrated HMA domains in plant immune receptors involves distinct binding surfaces. PNAS. 2018 115(45):11637-11642.
     

  • Ortiz et al. Recognition of the Magnaporthe oryzae Effector AVR-Pia by the Decoy Domain of the Rice NLR Immune Receptor RGA5. Plant Cell. 2017 29(1):156-168.
     

  • de Guillen et al. Structure Analysis Uncovers a Highly Diverse but Structurally Conserved Effector Family in Phytopathogenic Fungi. PLoS Pathog. 2015 11(10):e1005228.

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