PhD Fellowship, Talking fungi? Elucidating the communication between leaf?cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus, JSMC, Germany
JSMC invites applications for a
PhD Fellowship (Ref.No. JSMC?36/2009) on the topic
Talking fungi? Elucidating the communication between leaf?cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus
Leaf?cutting ants (LCAs) cultivate mutualistic fungi as their major food source using harvested leaf material as a substrate. Even though LCAs are highly polyphagous, they are very selective in their choice of host plants. The host choice decision is not made exclusively by foraging workers, but a feedback exists in which the fungus rejects unsuitable or harmful plant material. The main goal of this project will be to elucidate the nature of the fungus?derived cue that governs the LCA foraging decision, using an approach that combines bioassays with LCA laboratory colonies with stateof? the?art methods of analytical chemistry.
We expect:
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Medical Sciences, etc.). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
- a pronounced interest in methods of analytical chemistry (GC?MS, LC?MS, MALDI?TOF, NMR) and thewillingness to perform bioassays with LCAs
- high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
- creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
- an integrative and cooperative personality
- very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)
We offer:
- a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top?level research
conditions
- a PhD stipend paid for 3 years according to the rules of the DFG (German Research Foundation) as
well as generous research funding
- a comprehensive mentoring program with efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
- courses in novel technologies and soft skills
- Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities,
successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich
Schiller University
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer.
The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the JSMC website
www.jsmc.uni?jena.de
Please visit this website to acquaint yourself with details about the project above and other PhD projects offered within the current JSMC Recruitment Call. Then complete and submit the ‘Statement of Interest’ form downloadable from www.jsmc?uni?jena.de. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed form, submitted by email to apply?jsmc@uni?jena.de. DO NOT submit any additional documents at this point.
Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: April 6th, 2009.
Selected applicants will be invited to the JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, at the end of June, 2009. PhD fellowship awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter (July 2009).
Tags: ants, between, Communication, Elucidating, Fellowship, fungi, fungus, germany, JSMC, leaf?cutting, mutualistic, PhD, Talking
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I am Daisy S. Capon from the Philippines. I graduated my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agricultural Botany and Master of Science major in Agricultural Education and minor in Horticulture at Visayas State University formerly Visayas State College of Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines. Recently, I’m enrolling my PhD in Plant Pathology in the same institution . I was working on the project entitled Taxonomic Inventory of Vascular Plants in Mt. Pangasugan funded by GTZ- Tropical Ecology and in-charge of the College Herbarium of the Leyte State University, Visca, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines.. Moreover, I am presently teaching agriculture particularly on horticulture and crop protection courses (botany, plant propagation and nursery management, and tropical olericulture, mushroom and Trichoderma viridae). Also I’m the in-charge of the project Trichoderma viridae production. If given a chance, I believe that with my interests, academic training, professional background and positive attitude of the job I can deliver the responsibilities and cope with the demands called for the job. The job is truly interesting. It would be a privilege to be part of your endeavor.
Looking forward for your response.
Thank you
Daisy S. Capon
234 Meciano Road, Dumaguete City
Negros Oriental, Philippines 6200