A PhD position is offered at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) in the lab of Hannes Schuler and aims to investigate factors influencing the current outbreak of wooly apple aphids. The position is funded for three years and will start in November 2025. The woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) is a significant pest on apple. These insects feed on the plant's phloem, leading to growths on roots and shoots and weakening of the infested trees. The infestation by the woolly apple aphid and the limited defense strategies pose significant challenges, especially for organic apple growers in South Tyrol. Large differences in woolly apple aphid infestation suggest that there are numerous unknown factors influencing the spread and infestation of this insect. This project aims to identify factors that play a role in the dissemination and infestation of the woolly apple aphid through systematic surveys in practical orchards. The collected data will be analyzed through modeling to identify influencing factors which range from traditional cultivation measures to soil parameters and plant protection measures. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a background in Agricultural or Biological Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology, Ecology and Evolution. Competences with multifactorial analyses as well as experience with ecological studies and field work are desired. The candidate should have excellent skills in statistics and should have a driver's license to perform field work independently. The following activities are planned: - Survey in apple orchards - Analysis of phenological, physiological as well as soil composition data - Multifactorial analysis of different parameters The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is located in one of the most fascinating European regions, at the crossroads between the German-speaking and Italian cultures. Its trilingualism in teaching and research, its high level of internationalisation as well as an ideal study environment guaranteed by its excellent facilities are some of the reasons why unibz regularly reaches top positions in national and international rankings. The Schuler lab is member of the newly funded Competence Centre for Plant Health, a joint institution which consists of several research groups in the field of Biology, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering https://www.unibz.it/en/home/research/competence-centre-plant-health We are a young and dynamic research group studying various aspects of insect-microbe interactions in a collaborative atmosphere http://hschuler.people.unibz.it General requirements for the position: Master's degree (or close to completion) in Agricultural or Biological Science or related field. Moreover, a B2 level (or higher) certificate of English is required. Deadline for applications is 11.06.2025 (noon). All documents for the application procedure can be found here: https://www.unibz.it/en/faculties/agricultural-environmental-food-sciences/phd-mountain-environment-agriculture/ For informal inquiries, and for questions about the hiring process, please contact Hannes Schuler hannes.schuler@unibz.it Prof. Hannes Schuler Competence Centre for Plant Health Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Universitätsplatz 5 I-39100 Bozen-Bolzano Tel: +39 0471 017648 http://hschuler.people.unibz.it Schuler Hannes (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)