The Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Germany (www.igb-berlin.de) searches for a
PhD Student in Aquatic Microbial Ecology within the new Priority Programme of the German Science Foundation (DFG) entitled “Flexibility matters: Interplay between trait diversity and ecological dynamics using aquatic communities as model systems (DynaTrait)” (SPP 1704). The PhD student will work in the subproject: Comparing phenotypic plasticity in bacterial prey traits and ecological consequences by using specialist vs. generalist strains and organic aggregates as model systems (BactiTrait) and focus on how bacteria lifestyle traits are related to different strength in predator-prey interactions. Specifically, the PhD student will investigate the potential feedback between the dynamics of bacterial lifestyle traits and grazer - bacteria biomasses. Single and combined effects of inherited and phenotypic plasticity within bacteria life-style traits on predator-prey dynamics will be combined. The project aims for a mutual stimulation between empirical research and theory in aquatic microbial ecology. The PhD will mainly use chemostat experiments with pure cultures of both heterotrophic bacteria and protozoans and combine state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical analyses with modelling approaches. For further information go to http://www.igb-berlin.de/stellenangebote-details/items/433.html
