The Ecology lab at the University of Konstanz (the group of Mark van Kleunen) and the lab of Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany (the group of Jasmin Joshi) at the University of Potsdam are seeking to fill two 3-year PhD positions in a DFG-funded project on the role of epigenetic inheritance in rapid evolutionary adaptation of invasive plants. The PhD students will do common-garden experiments and molecular-marker studies using plants from invasive Solidago canadensis and Solidago gigantea populations, and will do reciprocal transplant experiments with multiple invasive and native species. One of the PhD students will be based in Konstanz and the other one in Potsdam Applicants should have a deep interest in plant invasions, plant evolutionary ecology and evolution and hold a Master degree (or equivalent) in the relevant research fields (e.g. plant ecology, evolution). Applicants are expected to have relevant laboratory experience, and an interest in the design and analysis of ecological experiments. This position requires strong communication skills and strong writing and statistical skills (preferably in R). The salary will be at 65% of scale 13 TV-L. The latest starting date is 1 May 2015.
The University of Konstanz is one of the Universities of Excellence in the Federal Republic of Germany, and is located on a small campus just outside the beautiful university town of Konstanz, which is at the shore of Lake Constance. The Ecology group is young and very international, and works on a diverse set of topics, including among others mating system evolution, plant responses to global change and determinants of plant invasiveness. The University of Potsdam is a young and dynamic university and an equal opportunity employer. Potsdam is a beautiful and green city close to the German capital of Berlin. The Biodiversiy Research/Systematic Botany group works on a diverse set of topics such as plant adaptation to novel environmental conditions, coexistence mechanisms in plant populations and the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions. If equally qualified, disabled applicants will be considered preferentially. We aim at increasing the number of female researchers and encourage qualified women to apply. The University of Potsdam and the University of Konstanz make an effort to assist its members in family-related issues. The University of Potsdam has been repeatedly awarded the Total E-quality award, and the University of Konstanz has been certified by the Hertie Foundation to be a family-friendly institution. If you are interested in one of these positions, please, send a letter of motivation (also indicate whether you would prefer the position in Konstanz or the one in Potsdam or do not have a preference), a CV, a writing sample (for example part of your MSc or Bachelor thesis or a paper), and the contact details of two references to marc.stift@uni- konstanz.de. Please, merge all these documents into a single PDF file, and include your name in the file name. The application deadline is 15 March 2015.
