April 4, 2006: Graduate position: Frankfurt Daphnia Genetics
Source: EVOLDIR

News Details:

A Ph.D. STUDENT POSITION is available in the framework of an international project funded by the European Science Foundation (ESF). The main focus of the research program is the study of connectivity, dispersal and priority effects as drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem function in pond and pool communities (BIOPOOL). The main hypotheses are to (1) characterize the relative importance of dispersal (determined by regional factors), historical effects (i.e. priority effects, mediated by propagule-banks build up) and assemblage processes (driven by local factors) on biodiversity, and (2) to quantify the effect of diversity and genetic variation on ecosystem functioning.

Microcrustaceans, such as Daphnia, are ideal model organisms since they are well suited for laboratory and field (quantitative genetic) experiments and many genetic markers and techniques have been developed. Specifically, we would like to a) monitor species and clonal establishment in newly created habitats during two or three consecutive years, and b) to monitor artificial communities (inoculated with different genotypes) through time using molecular markers.

The successful candidate should have the equivalent of a master's degree or diploma in Biology, a firm background in evolutionary biology, experience with molecular techniques and a strong commitment to basic research. The position is open starting May/June 2006 and available initially for two years, with likely extension for maximum one further year. Pay and conditions are according to the German BAT-IIa/2 scale for civil servants (ca. ??? 18K p.a. net income, depending on family status).

Interested applicants should send the following information to k.schwenk@zoology.uni-frankfurt.de: curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, a description of the MSc or Diplom research, names and contact information for three references. Closing date for applications is April 26st 2006. Please feel free to contact K. Schwenk (Department of Ecology & Evolution, J.W. GOETHE-UNIVERSITY FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany) or visit http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/~kschwenk/ for clarification or additional information.