[Germany] Ph.D. Position - Institute of Integrative Biology
Ph.D. Position
(Diversity of parasites in natural systems)
to work on questions of host-parasite interactions using Bombus spp.
and their parasites as the study system. In particular, the proposed
framework for this study is to investigate the diversity of pathogens
in natural populations of various Bombus species. Our questions
ultimately relate to the co-evolutionary dynamics of the host
interactions with protozoa, viral and bacterial parasites, the
epidemic processes in natural populations, or the spread and effect
of infectious parasites in ecological communities of host species. We
work with molecular tools but the emphasis in this project would be
on ecological studies in populations and communities. In particular,
little is known about the occurrence, distribution and correlates of
parasitism in the diverse sets of Bombus species. The project aims at
gathering this knowledge, and use it to test some major concepts of
ecological theory and host-parasite coevolution. Although the prime
motivation are questions of basic importance, the project is embedded
in a larger set of studies conducted at ETH addressing the
significance of ecological and genetic variation in natural systems
with respect to disease, climatic change and environmental degradation.
The ideal candidate likes to work with this system, an interest at
the crossroads of ecology, genetics and evolution and a background in
any of the relevant fields. Salary and other conditions in accordance
with local regulations. The normal duration of a PhD at ETH is 3
years. Special conditions for acceptance into the PhD program of ETH
may apply; a degree equivalent to a M.Sc. is normally required.
Preferred starting date 1 October 2007 or thereafter. Please send
applications, with CV, names of referees, and short statement of your
interests in this position to Prof. Paul Schmid-Hempel, preferably by
email (psh@env.ethz.ch). Screening of applications will start 15 August 2007 or until post is filled. For more information, you may
check our web page (www.eco.ethz.ch).
