Expires on: 03/27/2024
Description
We are seeking a motivated and talented student to join an interdisciplinary team working on the behavioral neurobiology of ants. The project, led by Carlotta Martelli, Susanne Foitzik, and Hugo Darras, aims to unravel the organizational logic of the olfactory system in Temnothorax ants. The innovative research combines neurobiological and behavioral experiments, molecular genetic analysis, genomics, transcriptomics, and theory, with a focus on understanding the evolutionary signatures of non-canonical organizations of the olfactory system.
The PhD student will focus on the analysis of behavior, aiming to link molecular and anatomical features of the olfactory system to individual ant behavior within a colony. The project will be co-supervised by S. Foitzik and C. Martelli, in collaboration with H. Darras. Funding is secured for three years with potential for extension. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to be part of the GenEvo graduate program, offering a close-knit community of graduate students and training in molecular and evolutionary biology.
Qualification:
- Strong interest in behavior and neurobiology.
- Ideally, experience in quantitative behavioral analysis.
- Training in evolutionary biology, neuroanatomy, and experience in handling insects would be advantageous but not mandatory.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, CV, and contact information of two referees to cmartell@uni-mainz.de and foitzik@uni-mainz.de by the deadline.