An exciting opportunity to join a diverse research group working at the interface of ecology and evolution. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers investigating the role of intragenotypic variation in the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of species interactions.
This project, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, investigates individual variation independent of genotype and environment and how this variation can contribute to ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Using single cell approaches for eukaryoptic unicellular organisms, we aim to show when the combined intragenotypic variation of two interacting individuals hinders or facilitates rapid evolution and thus the overlap of ecological and evolutionary timescales.
Position 1 (36 months): The main responsibilities of this position include single cell assays to describe intragenotypic variation and estimate fitness consequences in green algae and other unicellular eukaryotes using high throughput imaging approaches and molecular tools. The position holder will also perform short term experiments to study the fitness consequences of intragenotypic variation of two interacting individuals and conduct experimental evolution studies. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in evolutionary biology and extensive experience working with unicellular eukaryotes.
Post 2 (24 months): The main responsibilities of this position will include single cell transcriptomics and the development of genetic markers to test hypotheses regarding the relationship of intragenotypic variation to adaptation in green algae (and potentially other unicellular eukaryotes). The candidate will have a PhD or equivalent with a background in molecular biology or bioinformatics – experience with phytoplankton is an advantage.
Konstanz is a very beautiful and pleasant place to live, bordering the third largest lake in Central Europe and situated near the Alps. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation. Interested candidates should send a CV, a short cover letter highlighting interests and potential research questions, and the contact details of two professional referees to lutz.becks@uni-konstanz.de. For more information see https://www.limnologie.uni-konstanz.de/becks/ or send an email to Lutz. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
