TOPICS for XXX Cycle
Research topic: Stress adaptation and tolerance in the spoilage yeasts belonging to the Zygosaccharomyces genus.
1 position with grant
The osmo and halotolerant food Zygosaccharomyces yeasts are able to survive in the face of high concentrations of non-ionic (sugars and polyols) and ionic (mainly Na+ cations) solutes. This ability determines the success of fermentation on high osmolarity food matrices and leads to spoilage of high sugar and high salt foods. The research project aims to decipher the mechanisms used by these yeasts to endure salts and sugars stresses: analysis of Na+ and K+-fluxes across the plasma membrane; characterization of cell wall properties; compatible osmolyte production; study of stress signalling pathways. The project will contribute to build a system-based knowledge on these mechanisms that may improve the yeast spoilage control in food, enhance the yeast-based bioprocess yields, and engineer the osmotolerance in other organisms.
Required skills: bachelor’s and master's degree in scientific field related to microbial molecular biology and microbial biotechnology; a solid understanding of the relevant concepts and genetics; strong communication, data presentation and visualization skills; communication skill in English.
Scientific tutors: Prof. Paolo Giudici (Tutor) paolo.giudici@unimore.it
Dr.ssa Lisa Solieri, PhD (Co-tutor)
Research topic: Breeding system and genome shuffling as sources of natural and artificial yeast diversity to exploit in food fermentation.
1 position without grant
The Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex encompasses the industrially most exploited yeasts in food fermentation. The development of novel food yeast biocatalyzers deals with the construction of non-genetically modified (GM-free) starter cultures that bring sensorial complexity to fermented food and carry out the fermentation processes in a fast and effective manner. The research project aims to create improved strains showing the typical hybrid heterosis and a wider range of growth conditions compared to parental strains. We will create inter- and intra-specific Saccharomyces breeding lines by two GM-free methods, namely spore-to-spore mating and genome shuffling. The most promising candidates will be tested in wine fermentation and scaled up from laboratory to winery and industrial level.
Required skills: bachelor’s and master's degree in scientific field related to applied biotechnology, bioinformatics, and genetics; a solid understanding of the relevant concepts and genetics; strong communication, data presentation and visualization skills; communication skill in English.
Scientific tutors: Prof. Paolo Giudici (Tutor) paolo.giudici@unimore.it
Dr.ssa Lisa Solieri, PhD (Co-tutor)
Research topic: Levan-type exo-polysaccharides (LT-EPSs) from prebiotics acetic acid bacteria
1 position with grant
The worldwide increasing interest in prebiotics as food ingredients and pharmacological supplements is due to their healthy effect. Levan-type exo-polysaccharides (LT-EPSs) composed of D-fructose units carrying a D-glucosyl residue at the chain end, are already recognized as prebiotics.
LT-EPS production due to a levansucrase activity has been detected in many bacteria, among which acetic acid bacteria that produce large quantities of LT-EPS growing on sucrose enriched media. Understanding mechanisms related to prebiotic activity of acetic acid bacteria could drive them towards new industrial applications.
This project aims to develop tailored procedures for the search and improvement of acetic acid bacteria as feasible catalysts for the synthesis of LT-EPS. It includes: 1) screening of existing strains and specific selection from high metabolites productive matrices; 2) characterization of levansucrases from LT-EPS-overproducing acetic acid bacteria strains; 3) assessment of the biological activity of acetic acid bacteria LT-EPS.
Required skills
The student should have strong interest in laboratory research in food microbiology and biotechnology. Critical evaluation of scientific literature is required.
Communication skills: ability to transfer results in scientific reports, papers, oral and web based presentations.
Scientific tutor
Dr. Maria Gullo
maria.gullo@unimore.it
Research topic: Sustainable management of invasive insects: biological control and implementation of monitoring systems for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys, a dangerous fruit pest recently introduced in Northern Italy
1 position with grant
This project will investigate: a)different types of attractive stimuli to develop a more efficient/effective field monitoring system for H. halys; b) the feasibility of biological/microbiological control strategies, by exploring the potential of autochtonous natural enemies and entomopathogenic microorganisms.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Degree in Biology, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or similar. Background and experience in field monitoring and biological/microbiological control of insect pests in agricultural/forest ecosystems
SCIENTIFIC TUTOR:
Dr Lara Maistrello
lara.maistrello@unimore.it
Research topic: Molecular investigation of pesticide resistance in aphids: involvement of chromosomal rearrangements and microbiome changes.
1 position with grant
Pesticide resistance in aphids have both economic and environment consequences. This research focuses on the analysis of the role of chromosomal rearrangements and aphid microbiome (with peculiar interest for secondary bacterial symbionts) in non-canonical resistance to pesticides.
Required skills:
The candidate is required to have familiarity with the main biomolecular techniques. For the selection purpose, it would be considered preferential title to possess knowledge on DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing. It is also mandatory the availability to spend a period in a European/American lab to refine the molecular techniques of the research project.
Scientific tutors:
Prof. G.C. Manicardi (SSD BIO/18)
giancarlo.manicardi@unimore.it
Prof. M. Mandrioli (SSD BIO/18)
mauro.mandrioli@unimore.it
Research topic: Sustainable cropping systems. Genomics and Bioinformatics for Unraveling Abiotic Stress Tolerance Mechanisms in Crops
1 position with grant
The advent of plant genomics platforms together with bioinformatics allowed in the last few years to move to sequencing projects of large genome crops. One result of the last revolution of technologies known as new generation sequencing (NGS) is the partial shift of genomics research from model plants to globally important crop species, in particular for cereals. The application of plant genomics tools to cereal crop species, in particular, understanding of mechanisms limiting crop yields, such as abiotic stress, is the main aim of the present project. The final aim being the improvement of quality and quantity of the production of agricultural plants strategic for the Italian and European economy. The specific aims of this PhD project are: a) understanding how structural and functional variation of cereal genomes is responsible of tolerance to an abiotic stress (selected at the beginning of the project) in an economically relevant cereal species (selected at the beginning of the project); b) transfer of this knowledge to a bioenergy crop for improving bioenergy production efficiency and thus sustainability of agricultural cropping systems.
Required skills
Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Plant Biology, or similar MSc degree. High degree records. Fluent knowledge of English language. Will constitute additional preference titles: knowledge of genetics and genomics, basic bioinformatics. The PhD student will be supposed to publish one scientific article on peer-reviewed International Journals per year.
SCIENTIFIC TUTOR:
Prof. Nicola Pecchioni
nicola.pecchioni@unimore.it
Research topic: Shelf-life in foodstuff prolonged using new and advanced technology. Technology used for stopping the diffusion of foodborne disease, by controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms
1 position with grant and 1 position without grant
Required Skills:
- Knowledge about the pathogens classification.
- Knowledge about the molecular biology
-GC-MS, HPLC
- Knowledge of different food matrix and his development during the shelf life.
-Knowledge about the importance of shelf life on the foodstuff and the foodborne disease.
Scientific tutor: prof. Andrea Pulvirenti, andrea.pulvirenti@unimore.it