The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of the leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties.
The department Evolution of Plants and Fungi at the Ruhr-University Bochum is offering two PhD positions for a period of three years
2 PhD positions
The genomic basis of host specificity as tool for species recognition and delimitations in Ustilaginales - a parasite group with high gene flow
We are seeking two highly motivated candidates (m/f/d) with an interest in the evolution, ecology, and species diversity of fungal plant parasites to join our group at the Ruhr-University Bochum for Evolution of Plants and Fungi (Begerow lab).
Our research focuses on fungal biodiversity, especially on the evolution of smut fungi (Ustilaginomycotina/Microbotryales) and fungal community diversity. Within this project we want to understand the evolution of fungal effectors in the Ustilaginomycotina. Specifically, we are using whole genome sequencing and ddRADseq/Hyb-Seq to study the correlation of effectors and host specificity at different taxonomic levels, from the whole sub-phylum to species and population level. The results of this work will be incorporated into a systematic framework to understand the impact of host species on species delimitations.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
The renumeration is based on TV-L E12/13 (25,88 h/w) for three years.
The positions are open from 1 March 2021. Application deadline is 15 January, but open until the positions are filled. Candidates (m/f/d) should submit their application as a PDF in English (including CV, one-sided motivation letter, professional references) to Dominik Begerow and Martin Kemler. If you have any questions please contact one of the PIs.
At Ruhr-Universität Bochum, we wish to promote careers of women in areas in which they are underrepresented, and we would therefore like to encourage female candidates to send us their applications. Applications by suitable candidates with severe disabilities and other applicants with equal legal status are likewise most welcome.
The applicants (m/f/d) are expected to have a highly qualified Master of Science degree or equivalent in Biology, preferentially Botany or Mycology, with a strong interest in fungal plant parasite evolution. Suitable candidates (m/f/d) have experience in one or more of the following areas: phylogenetics/phylogenomics and/or population genomics, preparation and analyses of high-throughput DNA sequencing data, systematic understanding in fungal parasites.