Postdoctoral position at University of Jyväskylä, Finland

EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF CO-INFECTIONS IN PARASITES WITH COMPLEX LIFE
CYCLES

Wild hosts are typically infected with a range of parasite species
and genotypes of one species at the same time. This has significant
implications for parasite-parasite interactions (one factor underlying
parasite virulence) and for host's ability to defend itself against
infections. These associations may also be subjected to considerable
variation depending on the stage of a parasite life cycle. This is
particularly true for parasites with complex life cycles that include
several consecutive hosts with different conditions for co-infections in
each. However, very little is currently known about these interactions
in natural host-parasite systems.

We are looking for candidates to fill a postdoctoral position in a project
exploring responses of parasites and their hosts to multiple parasite
species and genotype infections. The aims of the project are to determine
(1) the role of antagonistic and facilitative parasite interactions in
shaping co-infection dynamics, (2) the role of different types of host
responses in determining the outcome of multiple infections, and (3)
the influence of spatiotemporal dynamics of host-parasite interactions
on patterns of parasite community assembly. Considerable latitude in
specific research questions will be given according to personal interests
of the candidate.

Candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary
biology/genetics/parasitology, or related field. Starting date is 1st of
January 2013 or soon after, duration of the post is 2 years. The post
is funded by the Academy of Finland with a salary of approx. 2900-3600
Euros per month depending on the qualifications of the candidate.

If interested, send a brief description of work experience and
interests along with CV, list of publications, and contact details
of at least two references as a single PDF to Dr. Anssi Karvonen
(anssi.t.karvonen@jyu.fi). Candidates will be considered until the post
is filled. For more information visit http://users.jyu.fi/~anskarv/

Dr. Anssi Karvonen

anssi.t.karvonen@jyu.fi