Germany: paid PhD position in Photobiont-mycobiont interactions in lichens along climatic gradients

We are using molecular and ecophysiological data and various statistical analysis tools to study the interactions of lichen symbionts. The Ph.D. project will focus on changes of photobiont and mycobiont communities and symbiont associations in lichens along climatic gradients and is closely related to studies on the phylogeography and ecotypic differentation of lichens. Within the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and the Senckenberg Research Institute you will have ample opportunities to interact and collaborate with faculty, postdocs and PhD students specializing in a variety of topics, such as lichenology, mycology, biogeography, phylogenetics, macroecology, genomics, modelling, and bioinformatics. The place of work will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
This position will be funded through a scholarship in cooperation with GRADE. It should start February 1st 2012 and will be preliminarily limited to June 30th 2014, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 36 months if funds are granted. GRADE and BiK-F advocate gender equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified severely handicapped applicants will be given preference.

Full Doctorate
yes

Research Stay
no

Paid position?
yes

Start
01.02.2012

Length
36 months

Working Language
English

Language of the Doctoral Thesis
English

Requirements for Applicant

Subject Requirements (Qualification)
The successful candidate will have a Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent in evolutionary biology (incl. biosystematics or phylogenetics), molecular biology, molecular ecology or related fields. Experience in molecular laboratory techniques and a basic knowledge of lichen diversity are prerequisites. Experience in the following techniques an advantage: next generation sequencing and a strong background in population genetics and ecology. Good written and oral communication skills in English and teamwork skills are essential for a rewarding research. Working language will be English, and the candidate is encouraged to learn some German.
Please send your application by mail or preferably by e-mail attachment, mentioning the reference of this position (D29a) and including
(1) a letter outlining your interest for this research topic,
(2) a detailed CV,
(3) letters of support from 2 referees and
(4) a copy of your thesis and other relevant exams
to:

Review of applications will begin on December 15th, 2011, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Further inquiries to Christian Printzen (cprintzen@senckenberg.de)

Type of Persons
PhD student

Compulsory Attachments

• Curriculum vitae
• see qualification details

University / Organisation advertising the position

University / Organisation
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
60325 Frankfurt am Main

Faculty / Institute
Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)
Frankfurt am Main
http://www.bik-f.de/

Supervisor of the Doctoral Thesis