The majority of food- and waterborne illnesses are of bacterial origin. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving pathogenesis, toxin production, and virulence factor biosynthesis are necessary to prevent and combat microbial infections. Unfortunately, the majority of bacterial pathogens such as member of genus Bacillus, Stapyloccocus or Campylobacter are not easily manipulated under laboratory condition.

Objective:
Cloning and heterologous expression of the complete cereulid gen cluster (26 kb) from B. cereus to B. subtilis, with the aim of facilitated engineering of the cluster in the model organism B. subtilis.

Methods:
Molecular biology: isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, molecular cloning, expression analysis
Microbiology: cultivation of different bacterial and yeast strains, toxin isolation, bioassays

Language: English or German

Highly motivated students are welcome to apply. Candidates should have a primary training in the life sciences, molecular biology or microbiology. Applications should be sent (preferably by E-mail) until 31.10.2016 to Dr. Agnieszka Gacek-Matthews.