MSc Stipend in Molecular Bioprotection

MSc Stipend in Molecular Bioprotection

An MSc studentship is available from AgResearch to pursue research on the function of ABC toxins in insect-pathogenic fungi. The project will be based at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences and at AgResearch, New Zealand’s agriculture-based Crown Research Institute.

ABC toxins are well-characterised features of some bacterial-insect interactions and may have a role in human disease. The structure of the toxin protein complex is unusual and was recently published in the high profile journal Nature*. In this MSc project ABC toxin genes will be characterised for the first time in a fungus, the insect pathogen Metarhizium robertsii. Using molecular genetics and structural biology techniques the project will determine the role of ABC toxins in the insect and plant interactions of this fungus. This information will be used in developing M. robertsii as a biological control measure against New Zealand pasture pests.

The successful candidate will have, or will be about to obtain, a high quality honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a molecular field and skills and/or interest in fungal genetics, structural biology and organismal interactions. Fluency in English is essential.

The studentship provides a stipend of $10,000 per annum plus course fees and research expenses for one year, funded by a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Smart Idea grant to AgResearch.

To apply, send (1) a cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in the position, (2) a current curriculum vitae, and (3) your academic transcripts to d.fleetwood@agresearch.co.nz. Please compile into a single PDF file. Applications will close once a suitable candidate has been identified.

For further details contact co‐supervisors Dr Damien Fleetwood (damien.fleetwood@agresearch.co.nz), Dr Shaun Lott (s.lott@auckland.ac.nz) or Dr Jason Busby (j.busby@auckland.ac.nz)

* Busby JN, Panjikar S, Landsberg MJ, Hurst MRH, Lott JS. 2013. The BC component of ABC toxins is an RHS-repeat-containing protein encapsulation device. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature12465