Dear colleagues:
This is to bring to your attention openings for two funded PhD
student positions as described below:
Two Funded Ph.D. positions at the School of Biological Sciences, University of
Auckland and AgResearch, New Zealand
The bacteria derived anti-feeding prophage (Afp) is a unique DNA-free,
phage-like entity likened to a cell free type 6 secretion system. It is
pathogenic to a biological pest, the New Zealand pasture (grass grub) by
transporting and delivering a protein toxin to the grass grub larvae. In order
to assess the mechanism of Afp assembly and target cell interaction, we are
seeking well-qualified and highly motivated candidates for two doctoral student
positions. Using structural, molecular and cell biology, the projects seeks to
determine and demonstrate the mechanism of Afp cell targeting and toxin
delivery to the insect grass grub host.
PhD #1 based at University of Auckland, will be refining aspects of
Afp structure, specifically of cell targeting regions and toxin structure, will
have an interest in molecular cloning, protein expression, purification cryo
electron microscopy and X ray crystallography.
PhD #2 based at AgReserach Lincoln will have an interest in molecular cloning,
protein purification, cell biology, microscopy, gene regulation and Afp target
cell interaction. Cell lines and insect larvae will be used.
Both PhD positions will be in collaborative dialogue allowing a cross
fertilization of projects under the guidance of and Dr Mark Hurst AgResearch
Lincoln and Dr Alok K. Mitra, University of Auckland. Fees and a three-year
stipend will be provided as part of the New Zealand MBIE endeavour fund
contract – “Insect active nano machines”.
For further information, please send a current CV containing 3 referee names
and contact to Dr. Alok K. Mitra, School of Biological Sciences, University of
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel: +64 09 923 8162, E-mail:
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, and Dr Mark Hurst
Forage Science AgReserach Lincoln, New Zealand Tel +64 03 3259919, E-mail:
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.
Hurst MRH, Beattie A, Jones SA, Laugraud A, van Koten C, Harper L. (2018)
Serratia proteamaculans strain AGR96X encodes an antifeeding prophage
(Tailocin) with activity against grass grub (Costelytra giveni) and manuka
beetle (Pyronota species) larvae. Appl Environ Microbiol. 84(10). pii:
e02739-17. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02739-17.
Rybakova D Radjainia M, Turner A, Sen A, Mitra AK and Hurst MRH. (2013) Role of
antifeeding prophage (Afp) protein Afp16 in terminating the length of the Afp
tailocin and stabilizing its sheath. Mol Micro. 89: 702–714.
Rybakova D, Schramm P, Mitra AK, Hurst MR. (2015) Afp14 is involved in
regulating the length of Anti-feeding prophage (Afp). Mol Microbiol. 96: 815-26.
Heymann JB, Bartho JD, Rybakova D, Venugopal HP, Winkler DC, Sen A, Hurst MR,
Mitra AK (2013) 3-dimensional structure of the toxin-delivery particle
antifeeding prophage of Serratia entomophila. J Biol Chem. 288: 25276-84
Hurst MRH, Beard SS, Jackson TA, Jones SM. (2007) Isolation and
characterisation of the Serratia entomophila antifeeding prophage. FEMS
Microbiol Letts 270:42.
Thank you for your attention
Kind regards
Dr. Mark Hurst
Dr. Alok K. Mitra
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