Centre for Functional Ecology Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra
Fellowship opportunity Reference PTDC/BIA-BIC/122142/2010 - “What makes Amanita phalloides a successful invader? Insights from studies in its native range” (AMANITA) We offer a fellowship as part of the research project AMANITA (PTDC/BIA-BBIC/122142/2010) recently funded by the Portuguese National Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) that aims at dissecting possible genetic and ecological controls on host associations of A. phalloides in its native range (Europe), providing insight into the behavior of A. phalloides in North America, where the fungus has been introduced and is now an invader. The research will involve field work across Europe and laboratory work at the Department of Life Sciences of Coimbra University (Portugal) in collaboration with Anne Pringle at the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology of Harvard University (USA) where the fellow will receive complementary training. The fellow shall: 1) Perform field work to sample soil, sporocarps of A. phalloides and mycorrhizas across Europe; 2) Carry out laboratory work using a variety of molecular tools to identify A. phalloides´mycorrhizas and hosts, perform genetic fingerprinting of sporocarps, estimate the relative abundance of extramatrical mycelia of A. phalloides in soil and assess the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi communities; 3) Collaborate in the analysis of results and writing of scientific papers. Candidates should hold a Master degree in Biology, Molecular Biology or related areas and have proven laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, genotyping, real-time PCR). Preference will be given to candidates with a background in Ecology or/and Genetics, interest in Fungal Biology and on the topic of Biological Invasions, candidates that are genuinely motivated about the project, are enthusiastic about field work (should have a driving license and the ability to conduct independent field work) and are willing to often travelling. Fluency in English and informatics literacy are mandatory (experience in bioinformatics is a plus). The fellowship awards a monthly allowance of 980 EUR to be paid by bank transfer. The fellow also benefits from a personal accident insurance policy covering research activities and will be reimbursed of costs resulting from contributions to social security would he decide to sign up for the voluntary social security regime. The project will cover the research expenses. The fellowship is open to all nationalities and is funded for a period of 6 months renewable for the entire duration of the project. Portuguese citizens, or citizens from other European Union member states, are eligible to obtaining further funding from FCT to pursue PhD studies. Please apply by sending a covering (motivation) letter describing your research interests and past scientific experience, a detailed CV, copy of the Msc degree certificate, and the contact information for two professional referees to Susana Gonçalves ([email protected]). Please include the reference of the project in the subject line of the e-mail. Deadline for applying is September 21, 2012. Starting date is flexible but foreseen for the winter of 2012. Informal inquiries are welcome. *Full announcement in attachment _________ Susana Gonçalves Post-Doctoral Researcher Centro de Ecologia Funcional Centre for Functional Ecology Departamento de Ciências da Vida Universidade de Coimbra Apartado 3046 3001-401 Coimbra Portugal Tel: +351 239855210 Direct: +351 239855249 Fax: +351 239855211 email [email protected] email' [email protected] URL http://cfe.uc.pt/susanagoncalves Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary. Catch up with the latest research on serpentine ecology! http://icse2011.ultramafic-ecology.org
