PhD position at the University of Stockholm (Department of Ecology,
Environment and Plant Sciences)
Topic: The ecology and evolution of plant-microbe-insect interactions
Reference number SU FV-0118-14.
Deadline for applications: February 9, 2014.
Project description
Plant-based food webs are well-known for their stunning species diversity
and complexity. For example, several million insect species and a similarly
large number of fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses interact with the
world's c. 300,000 plant species. Unfortunately, studies on terrestrial food
webs are often hampered by the lack of interdisciplinary approaches. For
example, while we know that insects interact with insects, and microbes with
microbes, cross-kingdom interactions among plants, insects and microbes have
only infrequently been explored. Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates
that plant-microbe-insect interactions may be one of the major forces
structuring the ecology and evolution of terrestrial plant-based
communities.
In this project, the PhD student can pursue multiple
approaches (depending on skills and interest) to investigate the role of
plant-microbe-insect interactions in structuring a plant-based communities.
The student will start the project by using field observations and a
large-scale greenhouse experiment to quantify the relevance of
plant-microbe-insect interactions within a community context. Next, the
student may apply molecular tools to reveal the underlying genetic and
physiological mechanisms underlying plant-mediated insect-microbe
interactions. Several other projects may be selected according to the
interest of the student. The majority of the work will be on the food web
surrounding Plantago lanceolata, but some questions may also be answered
using the species-rich food web on the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur).
For more information, see:
http://www.su.se/english/about/vacancies/phd-studies/phd-position-in-ecology
-1.163114
--
Dr Ayco Tack, MRG, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki,
FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: +358 (0)45 1107855;
ayco.tack(at)helsinki.fi <mailto:[email protected]>
<http://www.plantmicrobeinsect.com> www.plantmicrobeinsect.com
<https://tuhat.halvi.helsinki.fi/portal/en/person/tack>
https://tuhat.halvi.helsinki.fi/portal/en/person/tack
<http://www.helsinki.fi/foodwebs/Ayco.htm>
http://www.helsinki.fi/foodwebs/Ayco.htm
