PhD position in chemical ecology within nGICE

Department of Plant Protection Biology
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Plant Protection Biology, has an open position for a PhD student in chemical ecology within nGICE. The PhD student will assess how climate affects malaria vector behaviour and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. 

The Max Planck Center for next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE) is formed by an intensive formal cooperation between SLU, Lund University and the Max Planck Society. The nGICE Center is founded on improving our understanding of the consequences of global climate change on insect ecosystem services, outbreaks of invasive insect species and the spread of disease vectors in Europe through the lens of insect chemical communication systems.

The Disease Vector group at the Department of Plant Protection Biology conducts and promotes basic research on the chemical ecology of disease vectors in accordance with societal needs, nationally and internationally, and applies this know-how to develop novel surveillance and control tools to be used within the integrated vector management framework. Our multi-disciplinary approach, to study how odour- and taste-mediated behaviours of disease vectors are modulated by external chemosensory cues and internal physiological states, is directed towards the identification of targets for reducing host-vector interactions.

Climate affects malaria vector behavior
Description:
Malaria transmission is dependent on a stereotyped set of odour-driven behaviours throughout the gonotrophic cycle of the female mosquito. Climate change, including alterations in temperature and humidity, is predicted to significantly affect malaria transmission in the near future. Many of these effects may be a result of changes in mosquito behaviour as a result of the new environmental conditions. By mimicking the predicted climatic changes, this project will investigate the impact on the detection and integration of resource-dependent olfactory cues, and the mechanisms by which, and how fast, mosquitoes adapt to the changing environment. At least six months of the position will be spent in Jena, Germany.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will hold a MSc in a biology-related field. Experience with behavioural analysis of insects is a requirement. In addition, experience with high-resolution (2D or 3D) analysis of flight behaviour, neurophysiology and mosquito research is a significant asset, as is experience in the field of chemical ecology. S/he should be fluent in spoken and written English, and have excellent communication skills. The candidate should enjoy working in a group environment, as well as demonstrate a solid ability to work independently to advance our research.

Place of work:      
Alnarp, Sweden

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years) fully funded

Starting date:
1 September 2020

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-04-15, use the button below.

Specific documents attached: Applications must contain (1) PhD application form, (2) CV, (3) a description of research experience, (4) a statement of scientific interests, as well as (5) contact information of two references.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.