PhD studentship in Dublin - Ireland

The Molecular-plant Microbe Interactions Group at UCD has a strong research record in the area of Fusarium diseases of small grain cereals.
Fusarium diseases of wheat cause significant yield losses worldwide and are therefore of great economic importance. In addition, the Fusarium species that attack wheat have the potential to produce a range of toxic secondary metabolites, known as mycotoxins, in infected grain. Therefore, this disease is a cause for concern not only for cereal growers, but also with respect to the potential health risks involved in using contaminated grain in human and animal food products. We are studying gene expression in wheat in response to such toxins and have targeted several trichothecene-responsive wheat genes for further study. A vacancy exists for a postgraduate studentship to functionally characterise these genes. Experience of molecular biology techniques, although not essential, would be advantageous.

This studentship is funded by a Basic Research Grant awarded by Science Foundation Ireland in association with the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology.

Requests for further information should be sent to:

Dr. Fiona Doohan,
Dept. of Environmental Resource Management,
Faculty of Agriculture,
University College Dublin,
Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 7067743
Email: fiona.doohan@ucd.ie
to whom applications, including full curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation should be sent. Closing Date: August 30th 2004