The Santelia lab at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team on a project about stomatal immunity and metabolism.
Stomata are tiny pores on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange and plant productivity, but also serve as natural entry points for plant and human pathogens. While stomata close rapidly in response to microbial signals, the metabolic mechanisms enabling this response remain poorly understood. This project aims to uncover how immune signalling reprograms metabolism in guard cells to drive stomatal closure and restrict pathogen entry.
Job description Research focus:
- Molecular genetics in Arabidopsis to dissect key signaling components linking immune perception to metabolic regulation
- Phosphoproteomics and targeted metabolite analysis to identify metabolic switches activated during microbial exposure
- Comparative genome editing experiments in lettuce to translate mechanistic insights from Arabidopsis into an agriculturally relevant crop system
The student will investigate how microbial elicitors trigger specific metabolic adjustments in guard cells, how these changes influence ion fluxes and osmotic regulation, and how pathogens may circumvent this barrier. The project integrates cell biology, biochemistry, plant immunity, and translational crop research.
The long-term goal is to identify metabolic control points that can be leveraged to strengthen natural plant defenses and reduce pathogen entry into leafy vegetables, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved food safety.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct independent research under the supervision of senior researchers
- Design and perform experiments, analyse data, and interpret results
- Prepare and present research findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate with other team members and contribute to the overall research goals
Profile - A Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Strong interest in plant molecular mechanisms and cellular regulation
- Experience with molecular biology techniques and/or plant genetics
- Motivation to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Experience in Arabidopsis, microscopy, or omics approaches is an advantage but not required
We offer - A dynamic and supportive research environment
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at ETH Zurich
- Training in advanced molecular, biochemical, and imaging approaches
- Integration into a vibrant international plant science community
- The opportunity to contribute to research with tangible societal impact in sustainable agriculture and food safety
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