3-years PhD position: "Social immunity in an insect with family life

**3-years PhD position: "Social immunity in an insect with family life"

We invite applications for a 3-years PhD position at the JG University 
of Mainz, Germany (Zoological institute, Dpt Evolutionary Biology). The 
project aims to better understand the importance of social immunity in 
the early evolution of social life in insects. Our model system is the 
European earwig, /Forficula auricularia/, a species with non-obligatory 
forms of maternal care. The PhD student will conduct a series of 
standardized experiments to investigate how behavioral interactions 
between family members help individuals fighting against pathogens, as 
well as to determine the genes involved in the expression of social 
immunity. The scientific project includes behavioral experiments 
(mostly), immunity measurements (e.g. PO and PPO) and RNA-seq analyses. 
Depending on the student interests, the project may also include 
quantitative genetics, chemical ecology and/or population genetics.

The position requires a recent Diploma or Master degree in Biology (or a 
related field). The successful candidate should be highly motivated and 
have strong background in evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, 
as well as experience in conducting behavioral experiments. Good skills 
in biostatistics or a high motivation to improve the statistical 
knowledge (e.g. R language) are important. Previous experiences with 
insect immunity and/or RNA-seq are advantageous, but not required. The 
position is fully-funded by the DFG (65% TV-L E13). People from every 
nationality are encouraged to apply. The working language of the 
laboratory is English.

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).

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/322_ENG_HTML.php. For more 
information, please do not hesitate to contact Joël Meunier 
(meunier@uni-mainz.de).

Interested candidates should send applications (as a single .pdf e-mail 
attachment) containing a motivation letter (max. 1 page), a curriculum 
vitae (with the grades of their B.Sc and M.Sc), a copy of their Master 
or Diploma thesis (if not finished, please send a summary of the project 
and the expected date of submission), and the names and email address of 
2-3 potential referees to Joël Meunier (meunier@uni-mainz.de).

Review of applications will begin *the 30^th of June 2014* and will 
continue until the position is filled. The ideal starting date for the 
position is September 2014, but is negotiable.

Joël Meunier