PhD Student EXO70 Plant Defence Networks

6 days ago

Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Science New Zealand Full time NZ$70,000 - NZ$90,000 per year

PhD Studentship

Plant Pathogen Interactions

Bioprotection

School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North and the Plant Pathogen Interactions Science Team, Auckland, New Zealand

Vacancy number 59425

This is an exciting opportunity to earn a PhD in Science via Masey University, working alongside Bioeconomy Science Institute Senior Scientists.

Conduct research which will determine whether effector proteins from the kiwifruit canker pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) target and modulate EXO70 proteins to enhance host susceptibility.

If you are an excellent science student looking to take the next step on your research journey, we are keen to talk with you.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

Aims:

  • This PhD project seeks to elucidate the role of EXO70 proteins in fruit crop immunity, with a focus on kiwifruit and apple.
  • The research will determine whether effector proteins from the kiwifruit canker pathogen Pseudomonas syringae actinidiae (Psa) target and modulate EXO70 proteins to enhance host susceptibility.
  • These investigations will be extended to apple, assessing interactions between EXO70 proteins and effector proteins from an apple pathogen, thereby providing comparative insights across fruit species.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:

  • A strong interest in molecular plant-microbe interactions and desire to extend knowledge in this area
  • A first-class BSc(Hons) or MSc degree in Molecular Plant Pathology, Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Genetics, or related disciplines.
  • Experience in microscopy, plant pathology, bacteria, fungal biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, or genomics/transcriptomics and/or willingness to learn these skill areas.
  • A deeply inquisitive mind and desire to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

Funding Notes:

This PhD scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and is part of an Endeavour Fund Smart Idea awarded to the Bioeconomy Science Institute. The PhD scholarship is available to both domestic and international students and will include a tax-free stipend of $35,000 (NZD) and a full cover of PhD tuition fees per annum for three years (36 months).

A copy of the PhD Position Description is available for you to view once you click on the 'apply' button.

General information:

Minimum academic requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at

Minimum English requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at

To apply, please send us a curriculum vitae, motivation letter, academic transcripts (both undergraduate and postgraduate) and contact details (preferably email addresses) of at least two academic referees. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by Zoom or Teams. The PhD project will start as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Job Details

Crown research institute

Plant & Food Research

Reference #

59425

Posted on

17 Oct 2025

Closes on

26 Oct :55

Location(s)

Auckland

Expertise

Molecular Biology & Genetics

Job level(s)

Student

Work type(s)

Fixed term

More details (document)

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