Title: Functional variation in arthropod performance across
agro-ecosystems
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD fellowship/scholarship
at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark,
within the Biology programme. The position is available from August 2024
or later.
Research area and project description:
The specific PhD project takes an experimental approach to understand
the factors that drive variation in arthropods and its consequences for
arthropod performance across agro-ecosystems. It tests hypotheses
about the link between land use, distribution of genetic diversity
and population declines in selected arthropod species with essential
roles as pollinators and decomposers. The key focus is therefore on
measuring population variation in life history and stress-related
phenotypic traits in populations of springtails and butterflies, and
interpreting these results in relation to already available data on
population genomic variation as well as spatial and temporal data on land
use. Specifically, the project will 1) investigate population variation
in reproductive traits, decomposition, immune performance and population
growth in species of Collembola, 2) use common garden experiments to
test hypotheses about local adaptation in species of Collembola, 3)
test hypotheses about adaptation and plasticity of dispersal ability in
species of butterflies. The details of the project will be planned with
the interests of the successful candidate in mind.
The successful applicant will participate in a project
lodged within the work of the Centre for Ecological Genetics
(https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/centre-for-ecological-genetics).
The centre, led by Prof. Trine Bilde, investigates the population
genetic consequences of the dramatic declines observed in insect
diversity and abundance, and the potential consequences for their
ability to perform ecosystem services such as pollination and natural
pest control. The centre provides an active and diverse international
group of researchers and students with groups in Aberdeen, Helsinki and
Aarhus. In addition to colleagues at the Department of Biology, Aarhus
University, particularly Prof. Marjo Saastamoinen, University of Helsinki
(http://www.helsinki.fi/life-history-evolution), provides potential close
collaboration and opportunity for exchange. The work will be done under
the supervision of Prof. Jesper Givskov Sørensen (AU). Co-supervision
will be provided by Prof. Trine Bilde and Assoc. Prof. Tove Hedegaard
Jørgensen (AU), and Prof. Marjo Saastamoinen (Helsinki), depending on
the developed PhD project.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as
here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project
description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you
wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applications to the PhD position must have an MSc or BSc degree in Biology
or a similar relevant subject. A strong interest in experimental work
and data analysis is required - along with the ability to communicate
scientific work. Experience with insect (eco)physiology, and a strong
background in evolutionary biology is highly valuable.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work
is Department of Biology, Section for Genetics, Ecology and Evolution,
Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to
contact: Professor Jesper Givskov Sørensen, Jesper.soerensen@bio.au.dk
or Professor Trine Bilde, trine.bilde@bio.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and
mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide
. Please read
the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to
https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/
1) Choose May 2024 Call with deadline 1 May 2024 at 23:59 CET.
2) You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme
“Biology”.
3) In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose:
“Functional variation in arthropod performance across agro-
ecosystems (Fvapaa)”
Please note: The programme committee may request further information or
invite the applicant to attend an interview.
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive
to support our scientific staff in their career development. We
focus on competency development and career clarification
and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website
, you can find information
on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we
use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can
assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring
workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has
opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and
diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested
candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal
background.
Jesper Givskov Sørensen, PhD, Professor
(Head of) Section for Genetics, Ecology & Evolution
Department of Biology, Aarhus University,
Ny Munkegade 114
,
DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Tel (mobile): +45 30183160
https://sorensenlab.wordpress.com/
Jesper Givskov Sørensen
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