PhD Position in Fungal Population Genetics

PHD POSITION IN FUNGAL POPULATION GENETICS

Categoria: Opportunità di Lavoro
Inviato da:

Data evento: 31 Mag 2010

Contenuti:
PhD Position in Fungal Population Genetics

A 3-year fully funded PhD position is available at the Forest Pathology and
Dendrology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zuerich,
Switzerland, to study the population genetics and mating behaviour of a
fungal tree disease caused by the ascomycete halara fraxinea (Hymenoscyphus
pseudoalbidus) to get insights in the evolutionary potential of the
pathogen. This emerging lethal disease attacks ash trees in Europe and
caused severe losses in several countries. Moreover, it is envisaged to
compare this pathogen with a cryptic sister species, which is assumed to be
non-pathogenic. The project seeks to understand the origin of an emerging
tree disease of major ecological impact. The work includes fieldwork,
molecular studies and virulence assessments. 

The applicant is expected to hold a superior University degree in Natural
Sciences (biology, environmental sciences, microbiology, mycology,
phytopathology or a related discipline, ideally with a good background in
genetics, molecular biology and statistics), which allows entering a PhD
program, and very good organizational, analytical and writing skills.
Applicants should submit a letter that summarizes specific motivation,
interests and relevant experience, a cv including undergraduate and
masters/diploma transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 references (all
as a single pdf) to: ottmar.holdenrieder@env.ethz.ch

Starting date: Ideally by the 1st of June 2010 or according to mutual
agreement. Review of applications will continue until the position has been
filled.