PhD position, University of Mainz, Department of Evolutionary Biology: "Evolution of ant slavery and the genetic basis of slavemaker and host behavior" We invite applications for a 3-years PhD position at the JG University of Mainz, Germany. The project aims at understanding the evolution of slavemaking and host defense behavior and its genetic basis. Our model system are /Temnothorax/ ants, in which ant slavery evolved repeatedly and in which parasite pressure led to the evolution of multiple host defense strategies. In this project, we use a RNA-seq approach to study characteristic gene expression patterns in closely related slavemaker and host species and compare different behavioural states within and between species. Moreover, we will use sequence data to detect differentially selected genes between slavemaker and host species with the aim to identify genes involved in slavemaker and host evolution. Our aim is to link slavemaker phenotype to its underlying genotype, as to unravel in future the genetic basis of coevolution in these obligate social parasite-host systems. The position requires a Diploma or Master degree in Biology (or a related field). The successful candidate should be highly motivated and have a strong background in evolutionary genetics and behavioral ecology. Previous research experiences with genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, behavioral experiments, or social insects are advantageous, but not required. The position is funded by the DFG (65% TV-L E13). Students from every nationality are encouraged to apply. The working language of the laboratory is English. Our young group offers an international, dynamic and interactive scientific environment and state-of the art, newly equipped laboratories. Information on our scientific work including recent publications can be found under http://www.bio.uni-mainz.de/zoo/evobio/318_ENG_HTML.php. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us feldmeye@uni-mainz.deor foitzik@uni-mainz.de. The University of Mainz hosts many excellent scientific institutions (http://www.uni-mainz.de/eng) and Mainz is a historic city located on the River Rhine with many students and a rich social and cultural life (http://www.mainz.de). Interested candidates should send an application (as a single pdf e-mail attachment) containing a letter of motivation a brief statement of their research experience and interests (max. 1 page), a curriculum vitae (with the grades of their B.Sc and M.Sc), a copy of their Master or Diploma thesis, and the names and email address of 2-3 potential referees to Dr. Barbara Feldmeyer (feldmeye@uni-mainz.de) or Dr. Susanne Foitzik (foitzik@uni-mainz.de). Barbara Feldmeyer
Objective
The funding initiative is open to all disciplines
and aims at the development and sustainable reinforcement of research in
Sub-Saharan Africa. Research projects, developed and carried out by
African scholars and scientists in close cooperation with their German
partners, shall provide junior researchers in Africa with an opportunity
to enhance their skills and academic qualifications. Special emphasis
is put on the development, reinforcement, and extension of academic
networks inside Africa beyond existing language barriers.
Scope of Funding
The following call aims at post-docs starting
academic careers in Africa. Funding can only be approved for research
projects carried out in cooperation with a partner academic institution
in Germany, and for Junior and Senior Fellowships with a 36-month
duration.
Open Calls
Call for Pre-Proposals for Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Social Sciences
in Sub-Saharan and North Africa, jointly funded by the Gulbenkian
Foundation and the Volkswagen Foundation. Deadline for pre-proposals:
June 27, 2014. Details of conditions and the application procedure can
be found under Information for Applicants 81i (pdf).
Call for Pre-Proposals for Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Engineering Sciences. Deadline for pre-proposals: September 5, 2014. Details of conditions and the application procedure can be found under Information for Applicants 81h (pdf).
Workshops, Symposia and Summer Schools in Africa
Applications will only be accepted for processing after previous consultation with the respective contact person.
Background
The funding initiative was introduced in 2003. By
way of preparation, the Foundation organized a number of events during
which the pertinent parameters were discussed. This applied especially
to the researchers on the African side.
From time to time, the Volkswagen Foundation organizes thematic workshops in order to aid the identification of promising areas of future-oriented research and the development of innovative lines of research in a spirit of partner-like cooperation. These meetings are used to discuss the current status of research, identify research issues, and to explore and develop possibilities for cooperation with other researchers and research institutions inside sub-Saharan Africa. Attendance at these workshops is by invitation only. Details of how to apply are posted on the Foundation’s homepage.
Information on previously held thematic workshops.
From time to time, the Volkswagen Foundation organizes thematic workshops in order to aid the identification of promising areas of future-oriented research and the development of innovative lines of research in a spirit of partner-like cooperation. These meetings are used to discuss the current status of research, identify research issues, and to explore and develop possibilities for cooperation with other researchers and research institutions inside sub-Saharan Africa. Attendance at these workshops is by invitation only. Details of how to apply are posted on the Foundation’s homepage.
Information on previously held thematic workshops.