The Plant and Mycorrhizal Ecology Lab at the FU Berlin (Prof. Matthias C. Rillig) seeks a highly motivated PhD student who will be involved in a project within the German Biodiversity-Exploratories (http://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/) and addressing the effects of land-use and biodiversity on communities of Basidiomycota from the fungal order of the Sebacinales, which were recently shown to be present as symptomless endophytes in roots of a vast number of land plants globally by DNA based methods (Weiß et al. 2011, PLoS One, 6, e16793). Despite this wide distribution, very little is know about the ecology of these endophytic Sebacinales, their community structure, and how it is affected by plant community composition and components of land use (Oberwinkler et al. 2013, Mycological Progress, 12, 1-27). The successful incumbent will identify Sebacinales by means of next generation sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis from root and soil samples. Further statistical analyses will be used to test for phylogenetic patterns in relation to land-use and specific traits of the host plants. The candidate must hold a M. Sc. or equivalent (e.g. Diploma) in biology, ecology or bioinformatics. Fluent written and spoken English and drivers licence are required. Background in molecular ecology, phylogenetics, community ecology and ecological statistics is desirable. Duration: 36 months, start date should be the 1st of April 2014. Note that project funding is subject to a final positive decision from the funding agency. Salary: 65 % of a full position according to E 13 TV-L FU tariff Applications including a CV and a copy/scan of relevant certificates (e.g. Master degree) must be sent not later than 1st of March 2014 to:
Freie Universität Berlin Institut für Biologie - Ökologie der Pflanzen Dr. Stefan Hempel Altensteinstraße 6 14195 Berlin, Germany Electronic applications are welcome. For additional information, please email to: [email protected]
