Graduate position: BOKU_Vienna.EvolutionOfInsectImmuneResponses

Two 3-year PhD positions at BOKU University Vienna: Evolution of insect
immune responses

Two 3-year PhD positions are available at BOKU University Vienna to
study the evolution of insect immune systems. By applying comparative
experimental and molecular approaches, the immune responses of three
ecologically and economically relevant species will be studied, i.e. the
European spruce bark beetle, the spongy moth and the Colorado potato
beetle. The three study systems willl be exposed to various pathogens,
i.e. bacteria, fungi and nematodes, and the molecular defense responses,
i.e. gene expression patterns, will be compared. Subsequently, RNA
interference (RNAi) will be used to functionally characterize immune
genes, which can be the basis to develop sustainable methods in insect
pest control, without harming non-target organisms. RNAi can be induced
using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to block insect immune genes, thereby
enhancing the effect of pathogens. This comparative approach will allow
us to characterize different evolutionary trajectories in insect immune
responses to various natural enemies.

The project will be in close collaboration with Michal Zurovec from the
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of
South Boehmia in Ceske Budejovice.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in entomology and
evolutionary biology. Experience in the application of molecular
methods and in generating and analyzing next-generation sequencing data
are helpful. General requirements for the position are a MSc degree in
Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Forestry, Evolutionary Biology or in
a related field. The candidate should have excellent communication skills
and should be fluent in English. The working language in the laboratory
is English. German skills, although helpful, are not essential. PhD
candidates have to enroll at BOKU www.boku.ac.at/en/.

The position is based at BOKU University, Vienna. Salary is according
to the standard PhD personnel costs in Austria. To apply, please send an
application letter detailing research background and research interests
and your CV to martin.schebeck@boku.ac.at.

The position is available immediately. Review of applications will begin
immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For informal inquiries, please contact Martin Schebeck.

Martin Schebeck <martin.schebeck@boku.ac.at>

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