PhD student "Photobiont-mycobiont interactions in lichens along climatic gradients" (Frankfurt)

The Goethe Graduate Academy (GRADE) was founded by the Goethe University Frankfurt am
Main to specifically improve the education and research conditions for its junior researchers. It
builds the platform for graduate education at the Goethe University. The Biodiversity and
Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) is a new interdisciplinary institute with the mission to carry out
internationally outstanding research on the interactions of biodiversity and climate change on
the organism level. It has been founded by the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung,
the Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, and other partners. The Centre is funded by the
Federal State of Hesse through its Initiative for the Development of Scientific and Economic
Excellence (LOEWE). It provides a new, dynamic research environment that integrates a variety
of disciplines from both natural and social sciences. The BiK-F-Project Area D “Laboratory
Center” invites applications for a scholarship for the position of a
PhD student “Photobiont-mycobiont interactions in lichens along climatic gradients”
[Ref. #D29a]
The successful candidate will have a Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent in evolutionary
biology (incl. biosystematics or phylogenetics), molecular biology, molecular ecology or related
fields. Experience in molecular laboratory techniques and a basic knowledge of lichen diversity
are prerequisites. Experience in the following techniques an advantage: next generation
sequencing and a strong background in population genetics and ecology. Good written and oral
communication skills in English and teamwork skills are essential for a rewarding research.
Working language will be English, and the candidate is encouraged to learn some German.
We are using molecular and ecophysiological data and various statistical analysis tools to study
the interactions of lichen symbionts. The Ph.D. project will focus on changes of photobiont and
mycobiont communities and symbiont associations in lichens along climatic gradients and is
closely related to studies on the phylogeography and ecotypic differentation of lichens. Within
the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and the Senckenberg Research Institute you will
have ample opportunities to interact and collaborate with faculty, postdocs and PhD students
specializing in a variety of topics, such as lichenology, mycology, biogeography, phylogenetics,
macroecology, genomics, modelling, and bioinformatics. The place of work will be Frankfurt am
Main, Germany.
This position will be funded through a scholarship in cooperation with GRADE. It should start
February 1st 2012 and will be preliminarily limited to June 30th 2014, with the possibility of
extension up to a total of 36 months if funds are granted. GRADE and BiK-F advocate gender
equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified severely
handicapped applicants will be given preference.
Please send your application by mail or preferably by e-mail attachment, mentioning the
reference of this position (#D29a) and including (1) a letter outlining your interest for this
research topic, (2) a detailed CV, (3) letters of support from 2 referees and (4) a copy of your
thesis and other relevant exams to: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. V. Mosbrugger, Scientific Coordinator
Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main,
Germany. E-mail to Service & Administration: recruiting@senckenberg.de. Review of
applications will begin on December 15th, 2011, and continue until a suitable candidate
is identified. Further inquiries to Christian Printzen (cprintzen@senckenberg.de).

Recruiting
recruiting@senckenberg.de
BiK-F
Frankfurt