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 you’ll 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 you’ve 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