PhD candidate (m/w/d) in behavioural physiology and infection ecology of bumblebees The BEE Lab at the University of Regensburg (Germany) studies the behavioural and evolutionary ecology of social insects, with a special focus on bee health. As part of a DFG-funded project titled 'Sublethal Effects of an Emerging Infectious Disease on Foraging Efficiency in Bumblebees,' we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (salary: 65% TV-L E13, fixed-term for 3 years, WissZeitVG), starting in July 2025 or soon thereafter. The PhD candidate will study the impact of an emerging viral infection on the foraging efficiency of bumblebees, combining classical physiology with cutting-edge behavioural experiments. Your Responsibilities: - Conducting and detailed analysis of infection experiments with bumblebees - Designing, conducting, and analysing sophisticated behavioural experiments to investigate interactions between bumblebees and their environment - Applying classical physiological methods and conducting molecular analyses - Active collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research groups within the University of Regensburg (Prof. Dr. Lena Wilfert) and with external cooperation partners (Prof. Dr. Robert Paxton at MLU Halle and Prof. Dr. Tom Wenseleers at KU Leuven) - Presenting research results at national and international scientific conferences - Contributing to the preparation of scientific publications in renowned journals Requirements: - Completed master's degree (or equivalent) in biology or a related discipline - Solid knowledge and practical experience in statistical modelling (R and/or Python), molecular biology, virology, animal physiology, and/or behavioural ecology are advantageous - Ideally, experience with laboratory experiments on insects, especially bees - High motivation to conduct and further develop behavioural and physiological experiments on bumblebees - Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) - Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic research environment We Offer: - Scientific qualification (doctorate/PhD) - Access to a modern infrastructure with excellent laboratory equipment - An inspiring, interdisciplinary research environment at the Institute for Zoology & Evolution (new chair: Prof. Dr. Lena Wilfert) and at the Faculty of Biology and Preclinical Medicine - The opportunity to present and publish your research results at international conferences and in renowned journals - Support for developing your scientific career, both at the Chair of Zoology & Evolutionary Biology and through the Regensburg International Graduate School of Life Sciences (RIGeL, https://www.rigel- regensburg.de, section Molecular Ecology & Evolution), with additional opportunities such as workshops and annual summer schools. The University of Regensburg aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. The University of Regensburg is particularly committed to reconciling family and work (further information at http://www.uni-regensburg.de/chancengleichheit). In the case of essentially equal suitability, severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration. Please indicate any existing severe disability in your application. Please note that we cannot cover any costs incurred by you for a potential interview. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Christoph Kurze (email: christoph.kurze@biologie.uni-regensburg.de). We look forward to receiving your application in English with the usual documents: (I) cover letter/letter of motivation (1-2 pages), (II) short CV with copies of relevant academic degrees, and (III) letters of recommendation or contact details of 2-3 references. Please send the documents in a single PDF file by April 30, 2025, via email to christoph.kurze@biologie.uni-regensburg.de with the subject: PhD position SEED-FEB. Christoph (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)