The Biology departement of the Faculty of Sciences has an opening available for a full-time Ph.D. scholarship in Ecological Parasitology.
The Evolutionary Ecology Group has a long tradition in fundamental and applied population biology of vertebrates, with a particular emphasis on patterns and processes of dispersal and gene flow. A major interest of the group is the spatial ecology of host-parasite interactions and infectious diseases. This PhD project focuses on transmission mechanisms and population structure of nidicolous ticks in relation to the ecology and spatial behaviour of their avian hosts. The project is tightly linked to a long-term population study of hole-breeding great and blue tits. The study combines molecular approaches (microsatellite analyses, molecular host identification) with laboratory and field observations on behaviour and ecology of parasites as well as hosts.
Description:
- you will prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Ecological Parasitology
- you will provide limited support to teaching and research activities within the Evolutionary Ecology Group
Profile:
- You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated student with a strong interest in Ecological Parasitology.
- You have a Master degree in Biology or an equivalent degree in life sciences with a sufficient background in population ecology, evolutionary biology and parasitology
- You have excellent study grades
- Students in their graduation year can also apply
Our offer:
- we offer a Ph.D. scholarship for two years, with one possible extension of two years after a positive evaluation
- starting date is 1 october 2011.
Interested?
Please complete the mandatory application form before August 7th 2011.
If you have questions on the application form, you can contact Ms. Ellen Huijer (tel. +32 3 265 31 45)
For more information, contact Prof. Erik Matthysen: erik.matthysen[ at ]ua.ac.be
