At the Technische Universität München (TUM) a Ph.D.-position is available in the group of Wolfgang W. Weisser for a project funded by the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). The project will involve studying multi-trophic interactions between plants, insects and their natural enemies in experimental and agricultural systems. The work will focus on enhancing horticultural productivity and subsequently income and livelihoods of local communities through integrated management of aphid pests on okra in sub-Saharan Africa. The position will be based at TUM in Germany and in Cameroon at IIATA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture). There will be close collaboration with the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Kenya, Nairobi. This position will include field work in Cameroon for 8 months per year, with the remaining time spent in Germany. The ability to work in tropical environments is essential and some knowledge of French would be beneficial.
The successful candidate will have a Diploma/M.Sc. in Biology or a related subject with appropriate specialisation. We expect the candidates to have good communication skills and the ability to work in a team. A driving licence and the ability to read, speak and write in English are necessary requirements. Application via email only should include a cover letter including a short statement of research interests, a Curriculum Vitae including a list of any publications, and names and email-addresses for two references, in a single pdf document. Information on the research group and publications in the area of multi-trophic interactions can be found on the TUM website: http://www.toek.wzw.tum.de The position is available immediately and funding will be provided for three years. Applications will be considered until 1st April 2012. Please contact: Prof. Wolfgang W. Weisser (Email [email protected]) or Dr Sharon E Zytynska ([email protected]), Technische Universität München, Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising.
