Fully funded PhD position
I'm looking for a PhD student to conduct a project on comparative chemistry and transcriptomics of fig species in Madagascar. The project will explore the link between chemical signals (fig scent) and reward (sugar). Ultimately, the project attempts to understand how fig scent (as a model for other plants as well) has evolved as a communication system with seed-dispersing lemurs. You will get to explore multiple study sites in Madagascar and learn high-end chemical and molecular methods. The project is fully funded and is planned to start in Feb-Apr 2021, Covid permits.
The project will be conducted at iDiv and the Institute of Biodiversity at FSU Jena, where you will earn your PhD. iDiv is a world-leading research institute, unique in its focus on ecological research. The successful candidate will enjoy access to cutting-edge laboratories and a diverse and international group of researchers in various fields of ecology and evolution.
What you need to bring:
What I can offer to you:
Feel free to contact me for informal inquiries. To apply for the position, please send a CV, grades/transcripts of your MSc or equivalent (if not available yet, just let me know), a short letter concisely describing your fit to the position in relation to each of the points under "what you need to bring" (1-3 sentences per point), title and short description of your MSc thesis, and arrange for a reference letter from a previous advisor or collaborator to be sent directly to me. Application deadline: 30 Nov 2020.
The project will be conducted at iDiv and the Institute of Biodiversity at FSU Jena, where you will earn your PhD. iDiv is a world-leading research institute, unique in its focus on ecological research. The successful candidate will enjoy access to cutting-edge laboratories and a diverse and international group of researchers in various fields of ecology and evolution.
What you need to bring:
- MSc or equivalent in biology, ecology, or any adjacent field
- Previous experience - not all are necessary, but the more the better:
- Challenging fieldwork
- Gas chromatography or mass spectrometry
- Molecular methods
- Statistical analysis
- Independently running research projects
- Willingness to conduct long and sometimes challenging fieldwork in Madagascar
- Willingness and ability to travel to partner labs within Germany, possibly for weeks
- Good written and spoken English; Some French would also help, but not necessary
- High motivation to pursue a career in science. You'll easily find a more relaxing and better paying position if it's "just a job" for you
What I can offer to you:
- Fully funded PhD position - your own position for 3 yr + all project expenses
- Experience exciting field work in Madagascar, and learn high-end lab methods
- Be a part of a young and growing research group
- Do your research in an exciting and global ecological research institute
Feel free to contact me for informal inquiries. To apply for the position, please send a CV, grades/transcripts of your MSc or equivalent (if not available yet, just let me know), a short letter concisely describing your fit to the position in relation to each of the points under "what you need to bring" (1-3 sentences per point), title and short description of your MSc thesis, and arrange for a reference letter from a previous advisor or collaborator to be sent directly to me. Application deadline: 30 Nov 2020.
