Additional recruitment to the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences beyond the limit of places

Project description:       

Introduction: In plant–pathogen interactions, the recognition of avirulence (Avr) factors by plant resistance (R) receptors initiates a hypersensitive response (HR), leading to localized cell death and limiting pathogen spread. HR involves the generation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, redox changes, protease activation, and cellular component degradation. Although the mechanisms controlling the extent of HR and redox signal transmission remain incompletely understood, it is well documented that rapid nitric oxide (NO) production following pathogen recognition plays a key role in activating defense responses. Previous studies by our team have demonstrated a biphasic NO burst in potato leaves inoculated with Avr Phytophthora infestans (the causal agent of late blight). Moreover, the cellular environment promotes interactions between NO and SA, leading to the formation of another biologically active RNS: nitroxyl (HNO).

Project Aim: The aim of this project is to elucidate the role of HNO (the reduced and protonated form of NO) in HR-type resistance in the potato genotype R3a against Avr3a P. infestans. The planned experiments will address the key research question: whether and how HNO regulates cell death during HR.

Project Tasks: The project includes: (I) in vivo analyses of HNO and NO production, (II) quantification of stress-related signals such as SA, Ca²⁺ ions, and cGMP, (III) investigation of HNO’s impact on cysteine protease cathepsin B (CathB), which is involved in regulating cell death during HR, to determine whether HNO exhibits "pro-life" or "pro-death" bioactivity, (IV) application of advanced pathophysiological techniques and innovative technologies to identify spatial HNO targets within the life/death zones of potato leaf cells.

Expected Outcomes: This project aims to provide a detailed characterization of the effects of the reduced and protonated form of NO, i.e., nitroxyl, on plant cells exposed to biotic stress. The results will help assess the role of this molecule in plant immunity mechanisms and identify molecular HNO sensors within plant cells.  

REQUIRED SKILLS OF THE CANDIDATE:

- Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field

- Basic knowledge of molecular biology experimental techniques

- Basic experience in in vitro cultivation of plants and pathogens, including preparation of growth media

- Familiarity with fundamental bioinformatics methods  

- Excellent command of the English language 

Principal investigator:  prof. dr hab. Magdalena Arasimowicz -Jelonek 

Recruitment 

Selection Committee

                              Chairwoman:                           prof. dr hab. Magdalena Arasimowicz-Jelonek 

Schedule of  the Doctoral  School enrolment procedure:  

Recruitment fee

The recruitment fee is 75 EUR.

Form of the selection procedure

One stage procedure.

Language of the selection procedure, including interviews:

  English language. 

Required documents:

Candidates applying based on exceptional academic achievements must include a scan of the following:  

1) For first-cycle graduates: the diploma and supplement. 

2) For students completing the third year of a unified master’s programme: a certificate indicating their academic average from years 1 to 3, along with a transcript. 

Candidates educated outside Poland must additionally submit: 

1) A scanned copy of their higher education diploma and supplement for both first- and second-degree qualifications (Bachelor’s and Master’s), in the original language and a certified translation into English or Polish.

2) A scanned copy of their passport (for foreign applicants). 

 Evaluation criteria

 1. A minimum grade of "very good" or equivalent from a second-cycle (master’s) or unified master’s degree diploma (5 points). Candidates applying on the basis of exceptional scientific achievements (e.g., grant awarded under the “Pearls of Science” competition) will also receive 5 points. 

2. Evaluation of up to three documented scientific achievements submitted during registration in the IRK system, assessed according to the detailed criteria of the candidate's accomplishments (maximum of 20 points). 

3. Assessment of other documented activities, based on up to three achievements indicated by the candidate, as per the specific criteria for the discipline (maximum of 5 points). 

4. The outcome of the interview, which assesses: 

a) The candidate’s knowledge and competencies relevant to their intended research, including discipline-specific expertise. 

b) Research methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline. The interview has a maximum duration of 30 minutes and awards up to 50 points. 

5. Evaluation of the research project prepared for admission, or in the case of recruitment tied to a grant project, the author’s concept for implementing the project (maximum of 20 points). Assessment focuses on: 

a) Formulation of the research objective and presentation of the research problem. Page 6 of 9 

b) Originality of the research idea and approach to solving the research problem. 

c) Methodology suited to the indicated discipline. 

d) Awareness of the current state of research, supported by a basic bibliography. 

e) The project’s significance for the development of the chosen discipline. 

Condition of admission to the Doctoral School 

Education Program

Education at the doctoral school lasts 8 semesters. Education at the Doctoral School  is offered on the basis of a framework curriculum and an individual research plan and ends with the submission of a doctoral dissertation.

The framework curriculum at the doctoral school includes a catalogue of modules of compulsory classes, elective compulsory classes and optional classes. It also:

1)    defines their schedule

2)    defines the way in which the classes are taught

3)    defines how learning outcomes are verified.

Education begins on 1st December, 2025.

Supervisors

A doctoral student works under the supervision of a supervisor or supervisors, or a supervisor and auxiliary supervisor, who will be appointed by the Deputy Rector at the request of a doctoral student (within 3 months of the start of his or her studies at the Doctoral School). 

Scholarships 

The doctoral scholarship amounts to PLN 5000 (gross-gross) per month before the mid-term evaluation and PLN 6500 (gross-gross) per month after the mid-term evaluation for 24 months.

Rules of admission to doctoral schools of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań in the academic year 2025/2026, Appendix to Resolution No. 46/2024/2025 of UAM Senate of 27 January, 2025.