We invite applications for a PhD position
in the Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and
Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Germany
Project title: “Host immune strategies:
remembering, resisting, tolerating, and being specific”
This project will address host-parasite
interactions, using Drosophila melanogaster, from two perspectives: 1) examining
how previous parasite experience can affect the host’s defence strategy and its
fitness consequences and 2) addressing potential genetic bases of parasite
recognition, with a focus on a gene that is greatly diversified at the genetic
and somatic level. The project will use bacteria as the model infection system
and read-outs such as survival, bacterial load and fitness; as well as involve
phagocytosis assays and using genetically modified fly lines.
The project is part of a nationwide
initiative on “Host-Parasite Coevolution – Rapid Reciprocal Adaptation and its
Genetic Basis” funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG)
(http://ieb.uni-muenster.de/spp/). This will provide the student with excellent
additional opportunities such as lab exchanges and attending workshops with
other researchers funded within the initiative. The student will also have
opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at the IEB.
Muenster hosts many excellent scientific
institutions, and is a dynamic city with a large number of students and a rich
choice of social, cultural and sporting facilities (see
http://www.muenster.de/en/ for further details).
Qualifications: We are looking for highly
motivated students with a background in evolutionary ecology, immunology or
parasitology. Applicants should have the equivalent of a masters degree in
biology. The working language of the lab is English.
We invite applications from highly
qualified candidates of any nationality. Women are especially encouraged to
apply. Preference will be given to disabled applicants in case of equivalent
qualification.
Application requirements: Please send
applications via email in one single PDF file. The PDF should contain 1) a
letter of motivation, 2) your CV including details of your research experience
(with the abstract of your masters thesis) and publications (if any) and 3) the
contact details of two potential referees. Please send your application in
English. The deadline for application is the 14th September 2012. The start date
will be November 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter, and the salary will be
for 36 months (TV-L E13/65%). If you have any questions please contact Sophie
Armitage.
Cool opportunity for an interesting
cross-disciplinary project. If you are interested contact:
Dr. Sophie Armitage
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