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Intern/Masterthesis in the field of Digital Insect Monitoring (f/d/m)
YOUR TASKS AND EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
- Independently carry out a Master's thesis under supervision
- Organization, coordination and documentation of experiments
- Building up a smart testing method in a greenhouse
- Investigate whether so-called electronic noses (eNoses) are suitable for measuring changes in the volatile profiles of plants after infestation by herbivorous insects
WHO YOU ARE
- We are looking for a dedicated biology or chemistry student (f/d/m)
- Interest/knowledge in ecological, entomological and digital methods
- A good basic knowledge of chemical ecology and data science is an advantage
- Ability to work in a team and very good communication skills
- Very good German or English skills, both wirtten and spoken
M A S T E R T H E S I S
Early detection of pests on agricultural crops by using electronic Noses (E-Noses).
Plants that are attacked by insect herbivores release specific volatiles into the environment. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can either act as direct plant defense but can also be important signals for indirect plant defense (attracting enemies of herbivorous insects) and for intra- and interspecific plant communication. Often, the degree of plant damage correlates with the amount of volatiles emitted. Thus, it would theoretically be possible to monitor the occurrence of insect pests in agriculture based on specific plant volatiles and take appropriate measures. Unfortunately, there is currently no suitable measurement technology that can be used as an early warning system for insect infestations on agricultural crops.
The aim of this master thesis is to investigate whether so-called electronic noses (eNoses) are suitable for measuring changes in the volatile profiles of plants after infestation by herbivorous insects and can thus be used for early detection of harmful organisms in agriculture.
In experiments, crop plants will be exposed to biotic stress (herbivorous insects) and then the constitutive and herbivore-induced volatiles will be analyzed. It will be investigated whether changes in the VOC profile of plants after insect damage can be reliably detected using an eNose.
We are looking for a dedicated biology or chemistry student with an interest in ecological and entomological methods. A good basic knowledge of chemical ecology and data science is an advantage.
We offer excellent technical equipment as well as extensive supervision in a small, very motivated research group. In addition, this work is carried out in cooperation with Bayer CropScience in their labs and green houses and thus offers a close exchange with an industrial partner.
Contact:
Dr. Klaus Raming, klaus.raming@bayer.com
Dr. Christian Baden, Christian.baden@bayer.com
Prof. Dr. Sybille Unsicker, sunsicker@bot.uni-kiel.de
Dr. Christin Walther, cwalther@bot.uni-kiel.de
We offer excellent technical equipment as well as extensive supervision in a small, very motivated and international research group.
In addition, this work is carried out in cooperation with Bayer CropScience in their labs and green houses and thus offers a close exchange with an industrial partner and unique insights.
We look forward to receiving your complete application online (cover letter, résumé, academic certificates, proof of enrollment and exam regulations). The internship is designed for a duration of 6 months.
YOUR APPLICATION
This is your opportunity to tackle the world’s biggest challenges with us: Maintaining our health, feeding growing populations and slowing the rate of climate change. You have a voice, ideas and perspectives and we want to hear them. Because our success begins with you. Be part of something big. Be Bayer.
Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender exp