Funded PhD on crop-associated phyllosphere microbiome

Description

Leducq Lab (Phytology Department, IBIS, CRIV, FSAA, Laval University in Québec City, Canada) is looking for a motivated candidate for a four-years PhD on functional and taxonomic diversity of crop microbiomes. The candidate will benefit from a dynamic, diverse* and multidisciplinary research environment and will acquire strong skills in bioinformatics, genomics, microbial ecology and phylogeny.

Every plant relies on a community of microbes (the microbiome), for crucial functions. There's a rising interest in leveraging these plant microbiome properties instead of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides for sustainable farming. Our lab is dedicated to delving deeper into microbial diversity and evolutionary processes that influence microbe functions and their adaptation to plants, with a particular focus on a less-explored group of leaf-associated bacteria (Hyphomicrobiales). For example, Methylobacterium, a member of Hyphomicrobiales, thrives in the phyllosphere (the aerial part of plants) and offers vital functions to its host, such as promoting growth, nitrogen fixation, protection against pathogens and UV radiations.

This PhD project builds upon our recent work studying plant-associated microbiomes in natural environments, now applied to economically significant crops in Canada (e.g. soybean). This project aims to (1) uncover the diversity in crop microbiomes and (2) identify the factors influencing functional diversity within crop microbiomes. To achieve these objectives, the PhD candidate will develop a novel bioinformatics workflow to analyze omics data from crop microbiomes, placing special emphasis on understudied plant tissues like the phyllosphere and bacteria groups like Hyphomicrobiales potentially involved in essential functions for economically important crops.

Requirements and Conditions

- Master degree in biology, agronomy, ecology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, evolution, biochemistry, and/or microbiology
- Computational skills and basis knowledge on programming language (Python, Perl and/or R)
- Autonomy, rigor, creativity and open-mindedness*

At least 2 reference letters are required (whenever possible, please consider prioritizing letters from female researchers*)

*Whenever possible, our lab aims to guarantee an optimal, safe and free-talk working environment to all its members, with respect for people culture, gender, sexual preference, disability and belief.

**Incomplete applications will not be considered.