University of Sheffield/Syngenta, PhD Scholarship

The use of novel mass spectrometry imaging techniques to understand the metabolic basis of resistance and susceptibility of sunflower cultivars infected with the parasitic weed Orobanche cumana

Supervisors: Professor Julie Scholes and Professor Mike Burrell (University of Sheffield), Dr David Portwood and Dr Marta Lopez-Sendon (Syngenta)

Orobanche species are root holoparasitic weeds that infest many important crop species across Europe and North Africa including tomatoes, peas, potatoes and sunflower causing yield losses of 20 to 100%. Despite the importance of this parasite to European agriculture relatively little is known about the metabolic basis of different types of resistance mechanisms yet such information is critical to the design of novel control strategies. In this project the student will optimise and use a novel mass spectrometry imaging technique (MALDI-MSi) to localise and quantify, with high spatial (cellular) and temporal resolution, the distribution of metabolites in sunflower roots undergoing susceptible and resistant interactions (at the site of parasite attachment and in areas remote from the site of attachment). Changes in the concentration of specific metabolites will be linked to changes in gene expression (using qRT-PCR) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature and regulation of resistance reactions at a cellular level.

This studentship will provide practical and theoretical training in advanced analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, computational analysis of large datasets and molecular techniques to address fundamental biological questions involving the resistance response of plants to parasitic weeds. In addition, the student will spend short periods of time at Syngenta during the course of the studentship and will gain valuable insight into industrial research and development at Syngenta. Training will be provided by both the academic and industrial partner and will be supplemented by attendance at appropriate specialist training courses and seminars.
The student, who ideally will have a background in biochemistry or chemistry with an interest in plant biology, will register for a PhD in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield. The studentship is for 36 months from the 1st October 2013 and is open to UK/EU citizens.

Applications can be submitted via www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/applying
The closing date is 15th February 2013