Phd Position

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 / Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution / Plant Evolution**
**of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz / Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution / Research group Huber: Plant Evolutionary Ecology**

**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 duckweeds 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
- 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
- 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 (masters or equivalent)
- 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 and international research group
- Jobticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area
- Extensive human resources development offer
- Flexible working time arrangements

The position is paid according to
- **EG13 TV-L** and to be filled on 01.10.2023 or to be agreed upon. The position is limited to a periode of 4 years.
- The position serves the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate).-
We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.
letter (max. 2 pages) in one PDF file) no later than
- **July 19**
**th**
**, 2023** preferably