PhD Position in Symbiotic Speciation, at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria

PhD Position in Symbiotic Speciation,  at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria

A PhD position funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is available to
study the impact of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia on physiology,
sexual behavior and de novo speciation of the model system Drosophila.

This intracellular bacterium is well known as the prime reproductive
parasite of insects by causing cytoplasmic incompatibilities,
feminization, parthenogenesis or male killing, but depending on their
evolutionary stage, it also can provide adaptive fitness benefits to
insect hosts, such as nutritional provisioning or pathogen protection. We
recently found that in some Drosophila species Wolbachia specifically
colonize defined host brain regions that orchestrate sexual behavior of
male and female flies. Furthermore we found that even slight perturbations
of this intimate host-symbiont homeostasis can foster de novo speciation
of Drosophila in the wild plus under experimental conditions in our
laboratory.

In this newly started FWF research project we aim to decipher the temporal
and functional dynamics of this Wolbachia-Drosophila symbiosis in two
different Drosophila systems, which are currently under speciation in
the Neotropics.

The successful candidate will be embedded in the highly multidisciplinary
and collaborative environments at the Department of Cell and Developmental
Biology of the Medical University of Vienna.

Applicants should hold a master's degree in biology, genetics,
microbiology, or a related discipline. We are looking for enthusiastic
scientists with proficient communication skills, who are good team
players. Previous experiences with DNA & RNA techniques, sequence
analyses, fly work, FISH assays, immunocytochemistry and/or microscopy
techniques are advantageous.

Please send applications (including CV, a letter of intent and contact
information of at least two referees) to the address below. Informal
enquiries are welcome.

Contact:Wolfgang Miller, 
Lab Genome dynamics, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Vienna, Austria
E-Mail: wolfgang.miller@meduniwien.ac.at
Phone: 0043 1 40160 37750

Website: Department for Cell and Developmental Biology
| Department for Cell and Developmental Biology
| View on www.meduniwien.ac.at | Preview by Yahoo |

Wolfgang J. Miller, PhD
Lab Genome Dynamics,
Dept Cell & Developmental BiologyCenter of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
Medical University of Vienna,
Schwarzspanierstr. 17, HP 36
A-1090 Vienna AUSTRIA.

email: wolfgang.miller@meduniwien.ac.at
http://www.meduniwien.ac.at/celldev/miller/
Tel. 0043 1 40160 37750Fax 0043 1 40160 937790

Wolfgang Miller