Food Research and Innovation Center (FRIC): PhD position

Bereich: Department of Biology

We are seeking to hire a PhD candidate with an interest in plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions and sustainable crop protection to join our research group jointly affiliated with the Food Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) and the Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Our research focuses on the development of sustainable strategies for crop protection, with a particular interest in the use of beneficial microorganisms to control plant diseases. We investigate how plant-associated bacteria can protect crops against pathogens and aim to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying their protective effects.

The PhD project will focus on the biocontrol of grapevine diseases using beneficial phyllosphere bacteria. The candidate will investigate their protective effects and underlying mechanisms, including direct antagonism against pathogens and stimulation or priming of grapevine defenses. The work will be carried out at the Department of Biology, which offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and analytical platforms, and provides an excellent scientific environment with extensive expertise in plant-microbe interactions and beyond. Enrollment of the PhD student in two complementary graduate programs offered by the FGLM and the FRIC is foreseen.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in plant biology, plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, agronomy or a related scientific field. Previous experience with plant pathogens, beneficial microorganisms, gene expression analysis or grapevine would be an advantage but is not required.

We are looking for a candidate who is curious, motivated to conduct experimental research and interested in both fundamental aspects of plant-microbe interactions and their application to sustainable crop protection. Good communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research environment are expected. Willingness to actively participate in the interdisciplinary scientific and outreach initiatives of the FRIC is expected.

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. The position is fully funded through the Food Research and Innovation Center in accordance with the employment conditions of the University of Fribourg. It will be locally hosted at the Department of Biology, and the PhD will be co-supervised by Prof. Laure Weisskopf.

Please send your complete application, including a CV, a cover letter and contact details of two referees, via email to Dr. Sébastien Bruisson (sebastien.bruisson@unifr.ch).