The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is funded by the German Excellence Initiative. JSMC is an ambitious Graduate School with over 150 PhD students who are educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training program based on top-level fundamental research. It conceptionally combines different research areas to a comprehensive picture of microbial communication (www.jsmc.uni-jena.de). Institutes at five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutes as well as 12 partner companies are participating in this cutting-edge research and training program. The Graduate School of Excellence ‘JSMC’ invites applications for PhD Student Position (Ref.No. 70/2012) on the topic Effects and mechanisms of natural bacterial isolates on plant resistance to herbivores in Nicotiana attenuata Plants are colonized by a diverse microbial community. In this project, we will analyze the effects of specific bacterial strains, isolated from plants grown in their natural environment, on N. attenuata’s resistance to native herbivores. Metabolic profiling and genetic analyses of microbial isolates as well as the use of transgenic plants affected in specific defense pathways will be used to identify the underlying mechanisms driving interactions between microbes, plants and herbivores. More projects details: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/phd-program/fellowship-application/vacant-projects/ We expect: a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences (eg. in microbiology, molecular biology etc.). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply. required skills: microbial cultivation techniques; a strong background in molecular biology/biochemistry and interest in plant biology would be a plus. high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project an integrative and cooperative personality very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC) We offer: a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) funded for three years based on the regulations of the DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as generous research funding a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors a top-level PhD training program with courses in state-of-the-art research technologies and soft skills Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University. Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer. The application procedure takes place exclusively online via the JSMC website: www.jsmc.uni-jena.de Please acquaint yourself with the open PhD projects and the application process described on this website. Selected applicants will be invited to the JSMC/ILRS Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, in February 2013. Awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing the projects to start immediately. Application deadline: December 2nd, 2012

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