The Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) is a new interdisciplinary institute with the mission to carry out internationally outstanding research on the interactions of biodiversity and climate change on the organism level. It has been founded by the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, the Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, and other partners. The Centre is funded by the Federal State of Hesse through its Initiative for the Development of Scientific and Economic Excellence (LOEWE). It provides a new, dynamic research environment that integrates a variety of disciplines from both natural and social sciences.
The BiK-F-Project Area C “Adaptation and Climate” invites applications for a scholarship for the position of a
PhD student “Environmental stressors and local adaptation in Daphnia”
[Ref. #C45]
The successful candidate will have a Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, molecular ecology or related fields. Experience in molecular laboratory techniques is a prerequisite, and experience in the following techniques an advantage: next generation sequencing, microarray analysis or quantitative real-time PCR. A strong background in population genetics and ecology, good written and oral communication skills in English and teamwork skills are essential for a rewarding research. Working language will be English, and the candidate is encouraged to learn some German.
We are applying a variety of approaches to tackle the question of local adaptation in Daphnia in Europe. However, no previous knowledge of the species is necessary. This position will focus on temperature adaptation and gene expression patterns associated with temperature stress, using techniques such as RNA-seq and microarray technologies. The work will benefit from and contribute to the Biological Archives working group, using resting stages from various organisms to answer important evolutionary questions such as the scale and rate of adaptation. Within the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre you will have ample opportunities to interact and collaborate with faculty, postdocs and PhD students specializing in a variety of topics, such as biogeography, phylogenetics, macroecology, genomics, modelling, and bioinformatics. The place of work will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
This position will be funded through a scholarship in cooperation with GRADE. It should start December 1st 2011 and will be limited to June 30th 2014, with the possibility of extension up to 36 months total, if funds are granted. GRADE and BiK-F advocate gender equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified severely handicapped applicants will be given preference.
Please send your application by mail or preferably by e-mail attachment, mentioning the reference of this position (#C45) and including (1) a letter outlining your interest for this research topic, (2) a detailed CV, (3) contact details of 2 referees and (4) a copy of your thesis and other relevant exams to: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. V. Mosbrugger, Scientific Coordinator Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. E-mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de.
Review of applications will begin on November 11th, 2011, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Informal inquiries to Klaus Schwenk or Mathilde Cordellier (k.schwenk@bio.uni-frankfurt.de or m.cordellier@bio.uni-frankfurt.de) before the application are welcome.