12 PhD positions UNIVERSITY OF GREIFSWALD GERMANY

The Research Training Group “Biological responses to novel and changing environments – RESPONSE” (RTG 2010), funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), invites applications for 12 Ph.D. positions.

The RTG is based at the University of Greifswald, Germany (www.uni-greifswald.de).

Starting date: April 1st 2015.
Duration: 3 years.
Salary: German salary scale (TV-L 13, 65%).

Research Program
The ability to respond to novel and changing environmental conditions, either by phenotypic plasticity, genetic adaptation, or range shifts, is pivotal to the longer-term survival of all organisms. Owing to increasing concerns about the consequences of human-induced global change, such responses have attracted increasing interest in recent years. RESPONSE focuses on the plastic and genetic capacities for in situ responses (cluster A) and on the factors limiting or facilitating dispersal to new habitats (cluster B). The RTG aims at deepening our understanding of the limits to population persistence, enabling more accurate predictions regarding the fate of populations under changing conditions. Our research program spans different levels of biological organization, ranging from molecular and physiological mechanisms to ecological population-level responses, and a wide variety of organisms including myxomycetes, plants (trees), and animals (snails, crustaceans, insects, spiders, bats). Please refer to www.uni-greifswald.de/RESPONSE for further information, especially on the available individual research (= Ph.D.) projects and specific requirements. Note that all projects involve field work at least to some extent.

Teaching Concept
A teaching program accompanies the interdisciplinary research strategy. It covers different scientific topics and techniques relevant to the RTG as well as soft skills relevant to career development, and includes summer schools, journal clubs, practical courses, lectures, and individualized educational as well as mentoring programs. Each Ph.D. project involves visiting stays at different laboratories, partly abroad. The participation in the teaching program is mandatory.

Requirements
We invite applications from highly motivated candidates with above-average qualifications, passion for and experience in research, and the willingness to actively participate in the RTG. Successful applicants will (1) hold a M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in Biology or another relevant discipline, (2) have a solid background in ecology and evolution, (3) experience with methods and / or organisms relevant to the RTG, (4) an excellent command of the English language, which will be the official language of the RTG, and (5) will be motivated to join an interdisciplinary research training environment.

Applications
To apply please submit an application form, a CV including copies of all degrees, a motivation letter, and two letters of recommendation. Forms (application form, recommendation letter) are available at www.uni-greifswald.de/RESPONSE. The motivation letter should include your motivation to become a member of RESPONSE, your preferred projects (list three), and a short explanation for your project choice. Applicants should submit the above mentioned documents, except the recommendation letters, as PDF files attached to a single email to the speaker of the RTG, Prof.Dr. Klaus Fischer (klaus.fischer@uni-greifswald.de), before January, 17th 2015. Recommendation letters should be sent by the referees directly to klaus.fischer@uni-greifswald.de. The most promising candidates will be invited to Greifswald, and interviews will take place between February 16th and 19th, 2015. The University of Greifswald is an equal opportunity employer, and the RTG strongly encourages qualified disabled persons, women, and candidates with children to apply. Application expenses cannot be refunded by the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The official version of the advertisement is published at the university’s homepage.

Prof. Dr. Klaus Fischer
e-mail: klaus.fischer@uni-greifswald.de

For any enquiries please contact Klaus Fischer via e-mail