Doctoral position at Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich

October 24, 2007

Doctoral position at Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich

In the group Plant Ecological Genetics of the Institute Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, is a doctoral position available starting January 1,  2008.

Project title: Significance of hybridization in asexual fungal endophytes of grasses

Funding: Swiss NSF

Project description: Interspecific hybridization with creation of new lineages or species is a  well known phenomenon in plants and animals, but is largely unexplored in fungi. Asexual Epichlou endophytes of grasses (referred to the anamorph genus Neotyphodium) represent the most prominent case of abundant interspecific hybridizations.  Epichlo endophytes (Ascomycota, Clavicipitaceae) are wide-spread in pooid grasses forming systemic associations with their hosts that span the continuum from antagonism to mutualism. The majority of Neotyphodium endophytes that have  been analyzed phylogenetically are heteroploid hybrids with two or more sexual Epichlo species as ancestors. Hybrids are maintained through successive host generations by vertical transmission and often dominate in natural  populations and over large geographical ranges. It has been suggested that hybridizations provide a selective advantage over non-hybrids by substituting for sexual recombination or by acquiring beneficial genes that strengthen their  mutualistic capabilities. However, none of these hypotheses has been tested.	The overall objective of this research proposal is to investigate the significance of hybrid Neotyphodium endophytes for the ecological  fitness of their host plants in different environments. As study system we will use the woodland grass Hordelymus europaeus that is known to be host of hybrid and non-hybrid endophytes. Epichlo endophytes offer a model system on which  fundamental questions regarding the evolution of mutualisms can be studied.

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral student with strong interests in evolutionary biology and mycology. Candidates should have a  Diploma or Master's degree in Biology or Plant Sciences.

Adrian Leuchtmann

Contact:Prof. Dr. A. LeuchtmannInstitute of Integrative BiologyUniversit tstrasse 16CH-8092 Zurich,Switzerland e.mail: adrian.leuchtmann@env.ethz.chPhone.: +41 44 632 3854

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