PhD in Pollination and communication ecology of exotic spreadings (30h)

Beschreibung

„Pollination and communication ecology of exotic spreadings”

The Department of Environment & Biodiversity at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg is offering a PhD position for three years in the FWF-funded project „Pollination and communication ecology of exotic spreadings“

This project focuses on Megachile sculpturalis, the first invasive bee in Europe. It originates from East Asia and has successfully colonized the northern hemisphere (Europe, North America). This bee species visits plants native to Europe, but also plants that are introduced to Europe and have the same home as the bee, among them kudzu, a plant species notorious for its invasive nature. We aim to 1) study the communication between M. sculpturalis and its nectar and pollen host plants in Europe, and 2) determine the reproductive system and contribution of M. sculpturalis and other flower visitors on the reproductive success of kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata).

We are looking for a doctoral researcher interested in pollination and chemical ecology. She/he will work on floral scents and colors of host plants of the bee, perform tests on the pollination efficiency of M. sculpturalis, rear the bee and cultivate selected host plants in the Botanical Garden of the University Salzburg, and perform electrophysiological and behavioral assays in a flight cage. Methods applied will be dynamic headspace, gas chromatography / mass spectrometry, electroantennographic detection, behavioral assays, and multivariate statistical analyses.

The successful applicants should be highly motivated, proficient in English language and scientific writing, and have a research focus in (pollination) biology and / or (chemical) ecology. An MSc, diploma degree or equivalent in preferably Botany, Zoology or Ecology is required. Previous field and lab experiences are of advantage.

The monthly gross salary is c. 2684 EUR paid 14 times a year. The Paris ;Lodron University of Salzburg offers excellent research facilities, and a very pleasant working and living environment in a beautiful landscape with numerous lakes and mountains. Please send your application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, contacts of two potential referees) in electronic form as a single pdf file latest by 15.11.2024 to Dr. Julia Lanner (julia.lanner@plus.ac.at) or Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Dötterl (stefan.doetterl@plus.ac.at). The start date is scheduled for March 2025. In case you have any requests, please contact julia.lanner@plus.ac.at or stefan.doetterl@plus.ac.at.