One or two PhD positions are available to study fire ant social biology in the laboratory of John Wang at the Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica (Taipei, Taiwan) beginning in the Fall of 2018.
Our lab uses the invasive pest species, the red imported fire ant, to study social biology and sex determination and their evolution. We are also investigating the evolution and genetics of skewed sex ratios in Caenorhabditis nematode. We use multiple techniques to address these questions including behavioral observations, bioinformatics, genomics, genetics, genome manipulation, and molecular biology.
Funding – The PhD fellowship includes a monthly stipend of NT$34,000 (~1,133 USD) for up to 3 years through the TIGP (Taiwan International Graduate Program), a joint graduate program between Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University.
Eligibility – The position is open to all applicants that meet TIGP admission criteria, but preference will be given to students with a master degree or prior experience in insect behavior, bioinformatics, molecular biology, population genetics, or genetics. Criteria and material used to evaluate the applicant’s qualifications for the admission: (http://tigp-bp.biodiv.tw/)
Interested students should prepare (1) a CV, (2) a list of prior experience, (3) three references (contact info & emails), and (4) a one-page statement of research interests in one PDF file, and email the file to John Wang (johnwang@gate.sinica.edu.tw) with the subject line « TIGP application ».
Additionally, a formal online application for admission must be submitted to TIGP-Biodiversity (http://db1x.sinica.edu.tw/tigp/index.php). Deadline for early admissions is January 15th 2018. For bioinformatically inclined students, application can be made through TIGP-Bioinformatics (http://tigpbp.iis.sinica.edu.tw/tigpbio/).
Academia Sinica is located in Taipei, Taiwan. Taipei is a vibrant, global city, rich in cultural and near to both oceans and mountains for both research and pleasure.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact John Wang:
John’s faculty website:
(http://biodiv.sinica.edu.tw/en/index.php?pi=3D157)
Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
(http://biodiv.sinica.edu.tw/en/)
John Wang
Taipei, Taiwan
johnwang@gate.sinica.edu.tw