Investigating Plant MLO Proteins in Marchantia–Phytophthora Interactions

Explore the role of MLO proteins in plant-pathogen interactions using advanced genetic and microscopy techniques in a cutting-edge research environment.

Best for:Best for molecular biology or plant physiology master’s students with experience in genetic engineering, confocal microscopy, and plant-pathogen interactions.

INRAE · Antibes, France

More professors at INRAE

MLO protein function in plant immunityBryophyte-pathogen interactionsTransgenic plant modelsConfocal microscopy and protein localizationOomycete pathogenesis

This is a internship position — not a PhD studentship.

Deadline

—

Funding

Salaried

€4.5/hr

Start date

2027-04-01

Temporary

Location

Antibes

France

Overview

This internship offers a unique opportunity to investigate the function of MLO proteins in the early-diverging bryophyte *Marchantia polymorpha* during interactions with the oomycete pathogen *Phytophthora*. Based at INRAE’s Sophia Agrobiotech Institute, the intern will generate transgenic lines, use confocal microscopy, and study protein localization and interactions. The project bridges gaps in understanding conserved host-pathogen mechanisms across plant evolution, leveraging collaborations with a PhD researcher. Ideal for students with a strong background in molecular biology and plant pathology, this role combines hands-on lab work with interdisciplinary research.

MLO proteinsMarchantia polymorphaPhytophthora interactiontransgenic plant modelsconfocal microscopyplant-pathogen immunitycalcium channelsgenetic engineering

What you'll do

Generate transgenic *Marchantia polymorpha* lines with MpMLO2 or AtMLO4 proteins fused to a fluorescent reporter (Citrine) under a constitutive promoter.
Characterize subcellular localization of MLO-Citrine fusion proteins using confocal microscopy, comparing patterns between *M. polymorpha* and *Arabidopsis thaliana*.
Test transgenic lines for resistance/complementary function against *Phytophthora* infection to assess functional conservation of MLO proteins.
Investigate protein-protein interactions between MLO proteins and conserved partners (e.g., MARIS, EXO70, calmodulin) using protein-interaction assays.
Collaborate with a second-year PhD researcher to integrate findings into broader evolutionary and functional studies of MLO proteins.

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, plant physiology, or a related field

Language: English; proficiency required for collaboration and reporting

Instruction: French (work environment) and English (scientific communication)

Required skills

Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., genetic transformation, PCR, cloning)
Familiarity with plant tissue culture and in vitro propagation methods
Basic knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions
Confocal microscopy skills or willingness to learn
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team

Nice to have

Prior experience with transgenic plant models or *Marchantia polymorpha* researchKnowledge of protein-protein interaction assays (e.g., Y2H, BiFC, co-immunoprecipitation)Fluency in English for scientific communication

Eligibility

Open to international applicants
No specific nationality restrictions
No prior experience caps, but master’s-level training required

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

€4.5/hr

Duration

5–6 months

Programme

INRAE

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-06

Applicants must submit a CV and a motivation letter via email. Ensure documents are concise and highlight relevant skills in molecular biology, plant pathology, and microscopy. The selection process will evaluate technical proficiency and alignment with the project goals.

Documents required