A PhD fellowship is available at Rennes 1 University on: Evolution and invasions on macroevolutionary islands: insects on phylogenetically isolated trees
Funding is by the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS (Institute National de l’écologie et de l’environnement). As always in these fellowships the funding is pending on final decision of the co- funding structure; see: https://www2.cnrs.fr/DRH/doctorants-09/? pid=4&action=view&id=70 for details (in French, sorry). THE SUBJECT: Within a forest canopy a tree crown may be separated from its neighbors by more than 200 million years of evolutionary history (for instance an oak in a pine forest). For the phytophages such crowns hence represent “macroevolutionary islands” differing from their neighbors in many traits. Does such a macroevolutionary isolation affect niche assembly and microevolution of phytophage assemblages within such crowns, such as niche relaxation, ecological drift and reduced resistance against invasions of the crowns? What are the consequences for outbreaks of pest species and phytophagy of the trees? In order to protect trees from their pest species should the trees be planted close to or far away from closely related tree species? See http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/597603 / for a related recent publication. THE PLACE: The host institution is the Research Unit “Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution” (http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/), co-financed by University of Rennes 1 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, harboring 58 researchers and docents. It was ranked “A” in the national evaluation of research institutions. Several further research institutions in ecology and evolutionary biology exist at Rennes. Rennes (http://www.tourisme-rennes.com/) has approximately 200 000 inhabitants and is the capitol of the Bretagne region with exceptional coastal and mainland landscapes, and a french-celtic heritage (http://www.region- bretagne.fr/CRB/Public/rubriques_thematique/visiter_la_bretagne/la_bretagne_ une_reg/la_bretagne_en_image/ ). English is spoken everywhere in Academia, but not necessarily outside. Like in any French city, child care is excellent (almost for free, no waiting list, nearby). Several bilingual French-English schools are available at all levels of education, as well as one French-German grammar school. Rennes is 2-2.5 hrs by train from Paris. SALARY: About 1700 Euros gross salary. 1 Euro = 1.34 Dollars or 0.9 Pounds. Two-bedroom apartments are available at 500 Euros / month or less, all inclusive. Families of foreign scientists receive full family aids by the state (around 200 Euros per month). Moreover spouses of scientists receive a special visa and a work permit (if the scientist is member of the European Union, a non-European spouse can even work without further visa, permit etc.). See http://www.isr.ueb.eu/article.php3?id_article=1096 for further information. REQUIREMENTS: The ideal candidate should be trained (and interested) in (i) concepts of community assembly, of plant/insect interactions and/or at the interface between evolution and ecology at interspecific level, (ii) advanced statistics, (ii) interest in insects and if possible have knowledge of certain tree-dwelling groups. (S)He should have a driving licence and no vertigo (need for tree climbing, after professional training). No restrictions on nationality. Master (or equivalent) must be no older than October 2007. A (basic) knowledge of French would be a big help. For instance, the introductory chapter of the thesis will have to be in French. APPLICATIONS Final applications must be on the official form (https://www2.cnrs.fr/DRH/doctorants-09/medias/tpl/pdf/commun/dos- candidat.pdf) and submitted to me ([email protected]). As filling in this official form is some effort, in particular for non-French speaking candidates, I recommend to contact me in advance with your CV and a letter explaining your qualification and your motivation. Please also provide email addresses of 2 potential referees. Deadline is April 24. Best regards Andreas Prinzing -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andreas Prinzing, Prof. Research Team Ecology of Diversification Research Unit « Ecobio » : Ecosystems - Biodiversity - Evolution; Université de Rennes 1 / Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Campus de Beaulieu, Bâtiment 14 A 35042 Rennes, France; Tel : +33 2 23 23 67 12; fax: +33 2 23 23 50 26; [email protected]; http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/Fiches_perso/Fiche.asp?pseudo=APrinzing http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/Fiches_perso/Banque/publi1_APrinzing.doc
