Dear Ecologgers, Find below an open PhD position in evolutionary biology. Please forward to any potentially suitable candidate.
http://bit.ly/PhDvirulence-ecoevo IGB invites applications for a *PhD position in Evolutionary Biology “The Evolution of Virulence under Conditions of Frequent Multiple Infections*” The position is available from *1st January 2018* and limited to 3 years. *Project Description * Interactions between multiple parasite species (infecting the same host) can affect the evolutionary trajectory of virulence, with important ecological and epidemiological consequences. The goal of the proposed work is to elucidate implications of multiple infections on the evolution of (parasite) virulence. The successful candidate will use a combination of experimental evolution and field approaches to generate new and refined predictions regarding the virulence of parasites that spread into new habitats, where they encounter co-infecting parasites. He/she will use a model system consisting of the crustacean* Daphnia* and their microparasites. The proposed research is a collaboration between German and Israeli scientific teams: Prof. Justyna Wolinska from IGB and Freie Universität Berlin (http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/profile/justyna-wolinska) and Dr. Frida Ben-Ami from Tel Aviv University (http://fridaslab.weebly.com/ ), financed by the German Science Foundation (DFG). The position is mainly based in Berlin; however, a two-month research stay at the Tel Aviv University is planned. Funding for attending national/international conferences is available. *Duties and responsibilities* - laboratory experiments - field work (investigating geographical patterns of co-infections) - advance statistical analyses of experimental (life history and genomic) and field (environmental and genetic) data *Requirements* - MSc degree in biology, bioinformatics or related field - strong background in evolutionary biology, population genetics or ecology - hands-on experience with experimental work - *experience in molecular or genomic* research would be an advantage - excellent analytical skills and very good knowledge in statistics - a basic knowledge in bioinformatics or programming would be advantageous - excellent communication and writing skills in English - good work ethic - creative thinking Salary is paid according to the TVöD (65% position). In keeping with the IGB's policy regarding gender equality, female applicants are particularly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude are given preferential consideration. Enquiries or questions should be directed to Prof. Justyna Wolinska ( [email protected]). Please upload complete application documents as a single pdf-file including CV, a letter of motivation, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three referees no later than *22nd August 2017* via the IGB’s ( www.igb-berlin.de/job-offers.html) online job-application facility (button “Apply online”). Regards, -- Ramsy Agha Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Department II (Ecosystem Research) Mueggelseedamm 301 12587 Berlin, Germany www.igb-berlin.de/en/profile/ramsy-agha http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/project/integrating-fungal- parasites-plankton-ecology -- Ramsy Agha Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Department II (Ecosystem Research) Mueggelseedamm 301 12587 Berlin, Germany www.igb-berlin.de/en/profile/ramsy-agha http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/project/integrating-fungal-parasites-plankton-ecology
