Post-doc: Durable resistance of apple against fire blight: functional validation of a major QTL thr

postdoctoral researcher (17 months, 7 months extension possible, annual gross salary :  31 715 €)

Application deadline:

July 11, 2018

Job Starting Date:

October 1st, 2018

Environment

Under the auspices of INRA, Agrocampus Ouest and the University of Angers, the Research Institute of Horticulture and Seeds (IRHS) constitutes an optimized structure conducting leading-edge fundamental and strategic research relating to the understanding and exploitation of horticultural products and seeds. The present project takes place in the “ResPom” team, dedicated to the elucidation of the genetic and molecular bases of apple and pear resistance to diseases and pests.

Host research team site : https://www6.angers-nantes.inra.fr/irhs_eng/Research/Apple-and-pear-resistance-to-diseases-and-pests

Mission (scientific project)

Fire blight caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora has a major economic impact because many apple and pear varieties are very susceptible to this disease. Only one major fire blight resistance gene has been cloned in apple and it is already overcome by several strains of the bacteria. We have decided to study a resistance source a priori durable because not yet overcome in culture: ‘Evereste’. This pollinator variety carries a QTL of resistance with a very strong effect, independently identified in two apple genotypes (‘Evereste’ and Malus floribunda #821). In collaboration with ETH-Zürich, the QTL region has been precisely mapped on chromosome 12 and reduced to 78 kb.

The aim of the project is the functional validation of the fire blight resistance QTL by gene editing and the cloning of responsible gene(s). The project is based on two innovative advances recently achieved at IRHS: i) the high quality sequencing of an apple genome ii) the mastery of a CRISPR knock-out method for this species.

Maximum 2 years of experience after thesis defense. An international experience in research is required (during or after Doctorate). Candidates must not have supported their thesis in the hiring institution and not previously worked in the host research unit.

The general selection process is described here : https://u-bretagneloire.fr/dossiers/postdoc/candidatures. The head(s) of the scientific project  and a member of the Board of the Université Bretagne Loire Research Departement will organize interviews at the end of July