Project Background/Introduction:

Cereal and food legume production is constrained by several insect pests. Among the most important ones are Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton, on cereals and Leaf miner (Liriomyza cicerina R.) and Stem borer (Lixus algirus L.) on food legumes. Host plant resistance is the most economical and environmentally friendly means of controlling insect pests. The first step in any breeding program on host plant resistance to pests is to identify sources of resistance to use as parental material in crosses. Gene banks are the usual source of germplasm to screen for resistance to insects. New tools such as the Focused Identification Strategy (FIGS) have been used to develop sub-sets of germplasm where there is a better chance of finding resistance to pests. Sources of resistance to key insect pests in wheat, chickpea and faba bean have been identified and germplasm developed.

Key duties:

The PhD will be expected to:

• Conduct research as part of the project team
• Identify key markers/ main principle components in resistant and susceptible lines
• Publish in high impact journals in the field

Applications and selection procedure:

Applications must be submitted on the hiring platform.

The application folder must contain:

• A cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests and motivations.
• A detailed CV.
• Contact information of 2 references

The candidates will be shortlisted and will be invited to an interview.

Criteria of the candidate

• MSc. in phytochemistry, analytical chemistry, or comparable
• Knowledge in chromatographic techniques.
• Knowledge in entomology
• Excellent knowledge in English and French
• High motivation, teamwork capabilities, and communication skills