A PhD position is offered at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) in the lab of Hannes Schuler. The position is in close collaboration with the entomology group at the Research Centre Laimburg and aims to investigate the impact and adaptation of non-native stinkbugs parasitoids. The position is funded for three years and will start in November 2025. The research project is part of the long-term monitoring of the effects of the release of the parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus on the Asian Stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys) and native stink bug species in South Tyrol. The main objective is to determine the parasitisation efficacy of T. japonicus, evaluating both its impact on the target population and potential effects on non-target species through host-parasitoid interactions. The invasion of H. halys has caused severe damage to Italian agricultural important plants since 2004, and is present in South Tyrol since 2019. Traditional control methods have proved insufficient results, leading to the start of a national release programme of its natural antagonist T. japonicus in 2020. Field monitoring of stink bug eggs revealed the presence of closed eggs, raising questions about the presence of parasitoid species unable to complete their development. Although, these parasitoids may still contribute to biological control, their identification is important for accurately assessing the effectiveness of the programme and specificity of the biological control agent. This project aims to identify the factors influencing the adaptation of parasitoids to invasive stink bugs. We will apply molecular methods to characterize parasitoid species within unhatched eggs. Furthermore, the analysis of interactions between hosts and parasitoids, both autochthonous and allochthonous, will contribute to the understanding of their ecological dynamics. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a background in Agricultural or Biological Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology, Ecology and Evolution. Competences with molecular genetic methods, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics as well as experience with ecological studies and field work are desired. The candidate should have excellent communication skills and should be fluent in English. The following activities are planned: - Sampling of stink bug egg masses in the field - Rearing of insects in the lab - Genetic characterization of unhatched eggs - Analysis of molecular data 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 The Laimburg Research Centre is the leading research institution for South Tyrolean agriculture and food processing. Our research activities place great emphasis on practical relevance and pursue the goal of increasing the competitiveness and sustainability through a decisive knowledge advantage. We work on concrete solutions for the agricultural practice in our trial fields and in our excellently equipped laboratories, but we also deal with basic research on key topics. Our newly acquired knowledge is passed on directly and via extension services to our stakeholders in order to ensure the fastest possible implementation in practice. General requirements for the position: Master's degree (or close to completion) in Agricultural or Biological Science, Biotechnology 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)