PhD Position JGU, Mainz, Germany Epigenetic Regulation of Division of Labor in Ants Supervisor: Susanne Foitzik Co-Supervisors: Peter Baumann, Susanne Gerber, Hanna Kokko Project Overview: Join an exciting PhD project focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms regulating division of labour in the ant Temnothorax longispinosus. This project aims to identify epigenetic processes and their impact on gene networks, exploring how external and internal signals influence task-specific behaviours. You will delve into the roles of histone acetylation, transcription factors, and odorant receptors in shaping worker specialization. Key Techniques and Skills: Behavioural genomics and evolutionary biology Behavioural observations and field ant collection Epigenetic molecular techniques: CUT&TAC, RNAseq, microRNA, RNAi Bioinformatics analysis and mathematical modelling Qualifications: Candidates should hold a Master's or 4-year Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics. Knowledge of bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and behavioural or evolutionary biology is a plus. Experience with mathematical modelling and social insect biology, especially ants, is beneficial but not mandatory. Publications: Caminer et al., 2023 - Communications Biology; Kohlmeier et al., 2023 - Biology Letters, Libbrecht et al., 2020 ' Iscience, Kohlmeier et al., 2019 - Molecular Ecology, Kohlmeier et al., 2018 - PLOS Biology Apply now to be part of groundbreaking research at the intersection of evolution and epigenetics! This project is part of the international PhD training program Gene regulation in Evolution https://www.genevo-rtg.de/. In GenEvo, scientists are working together on the core question of how complex and multi-layered gene regulatory systems have evolved. Experts in the field of molecular & evolutionary biology support & train our PhD students in their interdisciplinary research as well as their personal development. Offered position will be located at the Faculty of Biology of JGU in Mainz. All PhD students will become a member of the International PhD Programme (IPP). Mainz is a history lively city with a large student population, located at the river Rhine. Application webpage: https://www.genevo-rtg.de/application Registration deadline: 15 July 2024 Interviews: 9-10 September 2024 Starting date: 1 January 2025 Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Biozentrum Hanns Dieter Hüsch Weg 15 D-55128 Mainz Germany Tel: +49 (0) 6131 39 27 840 Fax: +49 (0)6131 39 27 850 Email: foitzik@uni-mainz.de "Foitzik, Susanne" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ---- PhD Position JGU, Mainz, Germany Molecular manipulation of host phenotype via regulatory interference Supervisor: Susanne Foitzik Co-Supervisors: Peter Baumann,Joan Barau Project Overview: Explore the fascinating world of parasitic manipulation with a PhD project focusing on the molecular mechanisms used by the parasitic cestode Anomotaenia brevis to alter the phenotype of its ant host, Temnothorax nylanderi. This project investigates how the parasite interferes with host gene regulation through epigenetic processes, aiming to understand the transcriptional and epigenetic changes that lead to altered host behavior, physiology, and extended lifespan. Key Techniques and Skills: � Evolutionary biology with a focus on parasite-host interactions � Epigenetic molecular techniques: CUT&TAG, Bisulfite sequencing, RNAseq, microRNA, RNAi � Bioinformatics analysis and scripting � Ant colony collection and behavioral studies Qualifications: Applicants should have a Master's or 4-year Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics. Knowledge of bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and evolutionary biology is important. Experience with social insect biology and parasitology is advantageous but not required. Publications: Seistrup et al., 2023 - Molecular Ecology, Hartke et al., 2023 - Molecular Ecology, Sistermans et al., 2023 - Molecular Ecology, Beros et al., 2021 - Royal Society Open Science, Beros et al., 2015 - Proceedings of the Royal Society B Apply now to contribute to cutting-edge research on the molecular manipulation of host phenotypes by parasites! This projects is part of the international PhD training program Gene regulation in Evolution https://www.genevo-rtg.de/. In GenEvo, scientists are working together on the core question of how complex and multi-layered gene regulatory systems have evolved. Experts in thefield of molecular & evolutionary biology support & train our PhD students in their interdisciplinary research as well as their personal development. Offered position will be located atthe Faculty of Biology of JGU in Mainz. All PhD students will become a member of the International PhD Programme (IPP). Mainz is a history lively city with a large student population, located at the river Rhine. Application webpage: https://www.genevo-rtg.de/application Registration deadline: 15 July 2024 Interviews: 9-10 September 2024 Starting date: 1 January 2025 Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Biozentrum Hanns Dieter H�sch Weg 15 D-55128 Mainz Germany Tel: +49 (0) 6131 39 27 840 Fax: +49 (0)6131 39 27 850 Email: foitzik@uni-mainz.de "Foitzik, Susanne" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)