PhD in population genetics and conservation of Antarctic lichens (Germany)

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) is a member of the Leibniz Association with almost 800 employees and belongs to the leading European natural history research centres. Its institutions are located in seven German federal states. The Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution in Frankfurt houses one of the largest herbaria in Germany. The scientists of the cryptogamic section try to answer questions about the evolution, biogeography and adaptation of lichens (fungi that live in symbiosis with green algae or cyanobacteria).

In a project funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG) we invite applications for a

PhD position in population genetics and conservation of Antarctic lichens

The project attempts to contribute basic information needed for the development of conservation practices for Antarctic lichens. Lichens are the most significant primary producers in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. So far, spatially explicit data on genetic structure and diversity of Antarctic lichens and levels of inter- and intracontinental gene flow are missing. The project shall provide population genetic parameters for 3-5 widely distributed lichen species. By comparing sites with high and low human impact, we want to assess whether human activities contribute to the introduction of alien lichen species and genotypes and to gene pool homogenisation of currently isolated populations.

Your tasks:
•       Sample lichen populations on King George Island (Antarctic) and in southern South America
•       Develop microsatellite markers for at least three lichen species and generate data sets
•       Analyse data using available software and contribute significantly to publications

Your profile:
•       Master’s degree or diploma in biology, mycology, ecology or related fields
•       Experience in molecular genetic laboratory methods
•       Demonstrated interest or experience in lichenology
•       Good command of English

Salary and benefits are in accordance with a public service position in Germany (TV-H E13, 67%).  The contract shall start no later than October, 1st 2015 and will be limited to a 3-year term. The Senckenberg Research Institute supports equal opportunity of men and women and therefore strongly invites women to apply. Equally qualified handicapped applicants will be given preference. The type of handicap should not prevent work needed to conduct the research. The duty station will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The employer is the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.

Please send your application before August, 31st 2015 preferably by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document), mentioning the reference of this position (Ref. #01-15036) and including a letter outlining your suitability and motivation, a detailed CV, all transcripts and grades, contact details of two potential references, a summary of your Master´s or Diploma thesis and, if available, publications to the address below

Herrn Dr. Tobias Schneck
c/o Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt
E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de (cc to christian.printzen@senckenberg.de)

For scientific enquiries please get in contact with Dr. Christian Printzen, christian.printzen@senckenberg.de.