A postgraduate student with a background in molecular biology/bacteriology/genetics  is required to begin a three year research project leading to a PhD degree on the taxonomy and genetics of an Erwinia species which is a potential biocontrol agent for black rot of Brassica.

Black rot of Brassica caused by the seed-borne bacterial phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris var. campestris causes significant economic losses on forage and vegetable Brassica crops. Research at the Bio-Protection Research Centre to develop biocontrol agents for the management of black rot, has identified an Erwinia bacterium as a candidate biocontrol agent. The PhD project will investigate the taxonomic relationship of this potential biocontrol agent to other strains and closely related species of Erwinia using a combination of multi-locus sequence typing, phylogenetic and biochemical techniques. Whole genome sequencing will be used to obtain the DNA sequence of the candidate biocontrol agent and comparative genomics will be used to investigate the genetic basis for the biocontrol properties of this microbe. The function of candidate genes will also be studied by using routine molecular techniques and biocontrol assays previously developed at the Centre.

The PhD studentship will be based at the Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand under the supervision of Dr Andrew Pitman and Professor John Hampton (Bio-Protection Research Centre), and Dr Peter Fineran (University of Otago). The studentship includes a NZ$25,000 per annum tax-free stipend and course fees for three years at Lincoln University.

For more information about the project please contact either Dr Andrew Pitman (andrew [dot] pitman [at] lincoln [dot] ac [dot] nz) or Professor John Hampton (john [dot] hampton [at] lincoln [dot] ac [dot] nz). To apply, please submit your CV and a letter explaining why you think you are the person who should receive this studentship to Professor Hampton by 5 November 2010. Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree and have a background in molecular biology, bacteriology or genetics. The start date for this is expected to be early in 2011, with some flexibility for the right candidate.