PhD on C. elegans-pathogen coevolution

PhD position available on Experimental host-parasite coevolution

The PhD project aims at a comprehensive experimental test of the consequences of host-parasite co-evolution. It is based on a selection experiment followed by extensive phenotypic and molecular analysis. The approach relies on a unique model system, consisting of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a host and its micro-parasite Bacillus thuringiensis, which are both ideally suited to experimental analysis. The results of this project are expected to have an impact on four biological research themes that are of particular current interest: the animal innate immune system, bacterial virulence, life-history trade-offs, and the generation of biological diversity.

The project is supervised by Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg and funded by the German Science Foundation (SCHU 1415/5-1; position according to 13 TV-L/2). It is based in the Department of Animal Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. The department is active in various fields of evolutionary ecology and it provides an international and interactive atmosphere.

Requirements for the position: High motivation, excellent background in evolutionary ecology (especially host-parasite evolution) and statistics, knowledge of basic molecular techniques (PCR, fragment analysis), handling of complex experimental set-up, teamwork, ideally some experience with C. elegans or bacteria, fluency in English.

Please send applications with CV, brief statement of research interests, and two references, as a pdf-file by email to hinrich.schulenburguni-tuebingen.de. Deadline for applications: 1st June 2007. Start of position: September 2007. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Severely handicapped people will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualifications. For further details + questions, send an email to hinrich.schulenburguni-tuebingen.de or check: www.uni-tuebingen.de/evoeco/.