From: bco-bounces@lists.oulu.fi [mailto:bco-bounces@lists.oulu.fi] On Behalf Of anita.tienhaara@helsinki.fi Sent: 21. tammikuuta 2010 10:13 To: FinBioNet Subject: [Bco] PhD student position in pathogen evolution, University of Helsinki
PHD STUDENT POSITION IN PATHOGEN EVOLUTION
Are you interested in coevolution? Have you ever wondered how pathogens evolve to overcome the resistance strategies of their hosts?
Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD fellowship to study pathogen evolution by combining ecological, evolutionary and molecular approaches. Motivated students with a MSc degree in ecology, evolutionary biology or molecular biology (or other related fields) are encouraged to apply. Prior expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis or laboratory work using genetic markers are a bonus but your most important assets are enthusiasm for research, motivation to learn new things, and ability to work independently while being an active member of a research team.
The project is centered on the interaction between host plant Plantago lanceolata and its fungal pathogen Podosphaera plantaginis in the Åland Islands. Prior research on this interaction has shown that the pathogen persists as a metapopulation. Despite rapid turnover of local populations there is evidence of rapid ongoing evolution between these species. In your project you will ask how processes at different spatial scales molecular, within host, within population and metapopulation affect the diversity and evolution of pathogens. In practice, you will carry out field surveys in the Åland Islands, conduct experimental work in the laboratory and genotype pathogen isolates. You are expected to present your findings in scientific meetings and workshops, as well as prepare publications for international scientific journals.
The research group of Dr Anna-Liisa Laine is part of the Metapopulation Research Group where youll find a wide range of expertise studying ecological and evolutionary questions within a spatial framework. You will also have the opportunity work with our international network of collaborators.
Please send your application to anna-liisa.laine@helsinki.fi by 19 February 2010. Attach a CV (with possible publications included), a copy of your transcript records (= printout of the courses youve completed during your MSc), contact details of two references (e.g. MSc thesis supervisor), and a letter (MAX 1 page) with a description of you researcher interests and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project. The work is scheduled to start in March-May of 2010.
For more information, please contact Dr Anna-Liisa Laine (anna-liisa.laine@helsinki.fi) and visit our websites at www.helsinki.fi/~allaine and www.helsinki.fi/science/metapop.
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Anita Tienhaara
Institute of Biotechnology
P.O. Box 56
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, finland
tel. +358 9 191 59656
fax +358 9 191 59550
anita.tienhaara@helsinki.fi