Job announcement
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Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Institute of Biology

application deadline: 18.10.2009
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*** PhD Position: evolutionary quantitative genetics ***

A PhD position is available in the Molecular Ecology Research Group of the Institute of
Biology at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, in Halle (Saale), Germany
(http://www.mol-ecol.uni-halle.de/).

The project focuses on applicability of marker-assisted selection in bumblebee breeding. The main topic will be to derive and incorporate genomic marker information (microsatellites and SNPs) for disease resistance into breeding programs. The efficiency of marker-assisted selection will be tested when markers are used in one parent only (queens vs. males) or in both on traits that are expressed in individual workers as well as on the colony level. Marker- assisted selection should be compared to phenotypic selection, both at the individual and the colony level.

We are looking for a highly motivated student having a Master´s degree or equivalent in the
relevant field. He/she should work well both as a member of the group and independently.
Prior laboratory experience is required, and skills in handling and maintaining social insect
colonies as well as knowledge of statistical analyses are preferred. Applicants should have a broad biological background, with special emphasis in the fields of quantitative genetics and evolutionary biology. Working and teaching language is English.

To apply, please send letter of motivation including research interests, a C.V., and contact
details for two or three references by e-mail (lattorff@zoologie.uni-halle.de). The position is
open until filled, but for full consideration, apply by October 18th, 2009. The position is fix
term for three years (~1,000 EUR/month). The preferred starting date is January, 1st 2010.

Halle hosts many excellent scientific institutions such as Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), 3 Max-Planck Institutes and the Leibnitz Institute for Plant Biochemistry (IPB). Halle is the largest city of Sachsen-Anhalt with a good infrastructure, hosting 2 universities. Due to the high number of students Halle has a rich choice of social, cultural and sporting facilities (see www.halle.de).

For further information regarding the group and/or the project please contact
Dr. Michael Lattorff
Institute of Biology, Molecular Ecology
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
Hoher Weg 4
06099 Halle (Saale)
Germany
phone. +49-345-5526389
fax. +49-345-5527264
email. lattorff@zoologie.uni-halle.de
www. http://www.mol-ecol.uni-halle.de/