Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

Faculty 10 Biology – Research group Huber – Plant Evolutionary Ecology – University of Mainz
PhD position 
part-time (50 %)

 
One of the central paradigms in plant-herbivore interactions states that plants and their herbivores co-evolve. Yet, experimental evidence for this prediction is scarce. In this project, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by experimentally evolving duck-weeds and one of its major native herbivores, the water lily aphid. By taking advantage of the rapid life cycles and the experimental manipulation possibilities in these species, we will observe and manipulate evolution in both interaction partners in real-time and thereby experimentally test a central hypothesis in plant-herbivore interactions. 

Your tasks:

• Independent research in the field of plant-herbivore interactions (>50%)
• Design, carry-out and analyze wet-lab experiments with plants and insects with a high degree of independence 
• Perform indoor and outdoor experimental evolution experiments
• Apply tools of molecular biology (e.g. PCR, qPCR, cloning, transformation) and analytical chemistry (HPLC)
• Coordinate your work with other lab members 
• Write scientific publications
• Present your work at meetings and conferences 

Your profile: 
In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate. 

• A successfully completed university degree 
• Fluency in spoken and written English 
• Previous experience in plant ecology, evolution, plant-insect interactions or molecular biology is desired
• Interest in combining molecular tools with experimental evolution

 
What we have to offer:

• Stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment including state-of-the-art facilities in a dynamic research group that ensures extensive supervision 
• The candidate can join the graduate school GenEvo (“Gene Regulation in Evolution”) and fully benefit from its tailored programme
• Jobticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area
• Extensive human resources development offer
• Flexible working time arrangements 

The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and to be filled on 15.05.2023 or to be agreed upon. The position is initially limited to a period of 3 years. 

The position serves the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate). 

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applica-tions from people with varied backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.

Are you ready for a new challenge and interested in this varied and responsible position? Then sub-mit your complete application by April 20th, 2023, by sending a single pdf containing i) motivation letter (max. 2 pages), ii) detailed CV, iii) copies of BSc and MSc degree, and iv) names and address-es of two referees to

meret.huber@uni-mainz.de.

The reviewing process will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For questions and further information please contact Meret Huber by phone 0049 (0)6131/39-30260 or e-mail: meret.huber@uni-mainz.de.

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