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 appliedpopulation biology of vertebrates, with a particular emphasis on patterns and processesof dispersal and gene flow. A major interest of the group is the spatial ecology ofhost-parasite interactions and infectious diseases. This PhD project focuses ontransmission mechanisms and population structure of nidicolous ticks in relation to theecology and spatial behaviour of their avian hosts. The project is tightly linked to along-term population study of hole-breeding great and blue tits. The study combinesmolecular approaches (microsatellite analyses, molecular host identification) withlaboratory 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 Parasitologyyou will provide limited support to teaching and research activities within theEvolutionary Ecology Group

Profile:

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated student with a strong interest inEcological Parasitology.
• You have a Master degree in Biology or an equivalent degree in life sciences with a sufficient background in population ecology, evolutionary biology andparasitology
• 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 twoy ears 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@ua.ac.be)