PhD: GENETIC COMPONENTS TO DIVISION OF LABOR IN ANT SOCIETIES, JGU MAINZ
PhD position in Evolutionary Biology (3 years) – Genetic components to division of labor in ant societies – JGU Mainz
Application deadline: January 20th, 2018
Behavioral division of labor in ant societies stems from workers differing in their likelihood and efficiency to perform specific tasks (e.g., foraging for food or nursing the brood). However, many factors and mechanisms regulating such differences remain to be identified and understood. The Libbrecht group at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (Germany) is offering a 3-year PhD position (German Research Foundation, fully funded, 65% TVL E13) to study the genetic effects on worker behavior in the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). The research will include ant collection in the field, controlled crosses in the lab, behavioral experiments, ant dissections, molecular biology techniques and RNA sequencing analyses. The student will get hands-on training in experimental design, statistics and bioinformatics.
We are looking for a highly motivated student with a Master degree (or equivalent) in biology, good English skills, and a keen interest in animal behavior and evolutionary biology. Previous experience with social insects, behavioral experiments, statistics and bioinformatics is advantageous, but not required.
The successful applicant will join an international, interactive, dynamic and English-speaking scientific environment in a brand new building with access to state-of-the-art, newly equipped laboratories and climate-controlled rooms. The Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz hosts many excellent scientific institutions, and Mainz is a historic city located on the Rhine River with a large student population and a rich social and cultural life.
Applications should include a 1-page cover letter describing the motivation, previous research activities and current research interests of the applicant; the CV of the applicant (with BSc/MSc grades, publications if applicable); and the names and email addresses of two potential referees. Please send all documents as a single PDF file before January 20th 2018 to Dr. Romain Libbrecht (romain.libbrecht@uni-mainz.de). The ideal starting date for the position is April 1st 2018, but is negotiable.
The Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz is interested in increasing the number of women in science. Applications from women are therefore strongly encouraged. Similarly, qualified candidates with disabilities will be preferred.