Open Positions

1

Time Span

01 Jan 2025 for 3 years

Application Deadline

31 Oct 2024

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Biology, Botany, Molecular Biology, Ecology

Description

Background & project goal: Organisms may modulate their phenotype across generations in the absence of genetic change. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such transgenerational plasticity are little understood. In plants, small RNAs are hypothesized to mediate transgenerational plasticity. However, this hypothesis and its evolutionary consequences still need to be tested. In this project, we will fill this knowledge gap using the giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) under attack of one of its major native herbivores, the waterlily aphid (Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae). 

We look for an enthusiastic and ambitious PhD student with strong interest in plant-herbivore interactions, epigenetic inheritance and evolution. As this PhD project is highly interdisciplinary, spanning genetic engineering through CRISPR, experimental evolution and high-throughput sequencing, the PhD student should have a solid background in one of these methodologies and eagerness to embrace the other approaches. Previous experience in plant research is advantageous but not required. The applicant must be fluent in English and hold a MSc degree in Biology or related fields.

We offer a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment including state-of-the-art facilities in a dynamic and international research environment. The successful applicant can join the graduate school GenEvo (“Gene Regulation in Evolution”), and fully benefit from its tailored programme.  

How to apply: Please send a single pdf including i) a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), ii) detailed CV, iii) copies of BSc and MSc degree, and iv) names and addresses of two referees to meret.huber@uni-mainz.de. The screening process will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate may start earliest in January 2025. 

The University of Mainz is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of female academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. The University of Mainz is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions, although some restrictions related to specific project-related tasks may apply.