PhD position, University of Mainz, Department of Evolutionary Biology

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