Graduate Position: A community genetics approach to understanding tri-trophic interactions in agricultural ecosystems (UK)

Supervisors: Dr David Shuker (University of St Andrews) and Dr Ali Karley (James Hutton Institute)

A four-year fully funded  PhD studentship is now available in the field of community genetics, behavour and ecology.

The project will explore how the behaviour of the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi is influenced by the genetics of its host (the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae) and also by the genetics of the aphid’s host (the potato Solanum tuberosum). The reproductive decisions made by parasitic wasps can influence their success as biological control agents against pests such as aphids. The project will explore the genetic basis of sex allocation and oviposition in Aphidius ervi, exploring both within- and between-species genetic effects. There will also be opportunities to explore the basis of sex determination in this species, and to develop new behavioural or genetic methods for studying sex allocation in multi-trophic systems in the lab and the wild. For further details of the project please visit:

http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=49034&LID=1443

This studentship opportunity will be co-funded by the BBSRC (as part of the EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership) and the James Hutton Institute. The position will be filled following a competitive interview process in which the best candidates applying across a range of different projects will be offered studentship positions. Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class Honours degree and/or an excellent postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject. The project is a collaboration between our lab and Ali Karley at the JHI. For further details please see the findaphd.com advert or drop Dave Shuker an email (david.shuker@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications need to be made via the School of Biology’s post-grad recruitment website but I strongly recommend getting in touch first (providing an up-to-date CV and also some thoughts on why this project is of interest to you). The application deadline is 27th January 2014.


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Dr David M Shuker
Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology
School of Biology
University of St Andrews
St Andrews KY16 9TH
United Kingdom

Email: david.shuker@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: +44 1334 463376
Fax: +44 1334 463366
Web: http://insects.st-andrews.ac.uk