Master Thesis Project: Killing the bad, but sparing the good?

This Master Thesis Project aims to investigate the interaction of predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and plant-beneficial Paraburkholderia bacteria. Gram-negative predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus invades and replicates in the periplasm of other Gram-negative prey bacteria. B. bacteriovorus is a natural Gram-negative pathogen predator of many plant and human/animal pathogens. Initial studies showed that certain plant-beneficial Paraburkholderia bacteria are partly resistant to predation by Bdellovibrio. The project aims to find out how some Paraburkholderia strains defend themselves against Bdellovibrio using epifluorescence microscopy and mutant library screening. To tackle this question is essential to potentially use B. bacteriovorus as a biocontrol agent to protect plants. You will be working in a dynamic, supportive and friendly environment with young principal investigator Dr. Simona Huwiler at Irchel campus in collaboration with Dr. Gabriella Pessi (specialized in beneficial plant microbe interactions), both are from University of Zurich. We are associated with Prof. Leo Eberl’s lab at Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of Zurich. Curious? Do not hesitate to apply or get in contact. It is great working on a fascinating natural killer with promising applications in the future.

This Master Thesis Project aims to investigate the interaction of predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and plant-beneficial Paraburkholderia bacteria. Gram-negative predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus invades and replicates in the periplasm of other Gram-negative prey bacteria. B. bacteriovorus is a natural Gram-negative pathogen predator of many plant and human/animal pathogens. Initial studies showed that certain plant-beneficial Paraburkholderia bacteria are partly resistant to predation by Bdellovibrio. The project aims to find out how some Paraburkholderia strains defend themselves against Bdellovibrio using epifluorescence microscopy and mutant library screening. To tackle this question is essential to potentially use B. bacteriovorus as a biocontrol agent to protect plants.
You will be working in a dynamic, supportive and friendly environment with young principal investigator Dr. Simona Huwiler at Irchel campus in collaboration with Dr. Gabriella Pessi (specialized in beneficial plant microbe interactions), both are from University of Zurich. We are associated with Prof. Leo Eberl’s lab at Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of Zurich. Curious? Do not hesitate to apply or get in contact. It is great working on a fascinating natural killer with promising applications in the future.

The Master Thesis project aims to find out how some Paraburkholderia strains defend themselves against B. bacteriovorus. To tackle this question is essential to potentially use B. bacteriovorus as a biocontrol agent to protect plants. Further, this Master project will give you the opportunity to learn and expand your skills in a broad range of molecular and microbiological methods.

The Master Thesis project aims to find out how some Paraburkholderia strains defend themselves against B. bacteriovorus. To tackle this question is essential to potentially use B. bacteriovorus as a biocontrol agent to protect plants. Further, this Master project will give you the opportunity to learn and expand your skills in a broad range of molecular and microbiological methods.

I am looking forward to get your application by email to simona.huwiler@uzh.ch (a short motivation letter, CV and current university record). I am working at Irchel campus, Y13 L52. I am very happy to answer any further questions and get to know you! Simona https://www.simona-huwiler.net Twitter: @SimonaHuwiler

I am looking forward to get your application by email to simona.huwiler@uzh.ch (a short motivation letter, CV and current university record). I am working at Irchel campus, Y13 L52. I am very happy to answer any further questions and get to know you!
Simona

https://www.simona-huwiler.net
Twitter: @SimonaHuwiler