PhD student Position: Eco- and phylogeography of Chironomidae (Insecta Diptera) in Greece; University of Lodz (Poland)

[Mateusz Płóciennik]

University of Lodz (UniLodz) is ranked as 6^th classical university in Poland according to scimagoir.com. Employing more than 2200 academic staff on 12 faculties UniLodz conducts scientific projects and postgraduates PhD students in biology and environmental science. For more information please refer to https://en.uni.lodz.pl/university-of-lodz-facts-figures/ .

 

PhD Position (m/f/d): Eco- and phylogeography of Chironomidae (Insecta Diptera) in Greece

 

Commencement date: first recruitment to PhD school is in June 2021, second one is in September 2021

The doctoral course and research must be conducted in Lodz, Poland

The Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology located at UniLodz employs international team of more than 30  researchers and is one of the leading institutions in Central Europe that conducts research in freshwater ecology and invertebrate genetics. The working group of Mediterranean phylo- and ecogeography invites applications for a position within the frame of PhD School focusing on biology and environmental science. The aim of the PhD project is to investigate ecogeographical distribution of non-biting midges (aquatic files) in Greek streams and its phylogeographical background. We want to resolve the question what is the pattern of population history in the region and what environmental factors drive it at macro- and microhabitat scale. Studies are based on the large collection of Chironomidae larvae from all around Greece supplemented by the exhaustive environmental data. A student can join our expeditions to Sothern Balkans but this is not obligatory as the material is already collected. The doctoral studies are limited to 48 months.

Your tasks

Processing the Chironomidae collection, identifying the material to the lowest possible taxonomical level, DNA barcoding and amplifying other molecular markers.

Statistical and phylogenetic analyses using multivariate techniques applied in community ecology and phylogeography.

Working as an member of a motivated multidisciplinary team within the department and external academic partners.

Publishing scientific papers peer-reviewed JCR-listed journals.

Presentation of results at meetings and international conferences.

Take apart in classes offered within the PhD School.

Requirements

Master diploma in life science or environmental sciences that is accepted in Poland.

Advanced knowledge on freshwater ecosystem functioning.

Interest in freshwater ecology, entomology, DNA barcoding and phylogeography.

English (written and oral) or Polish is required.

The ability to focus on long-time laboratory work.

Good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Recruitment to PhD school is subjected to CV and interview with applicants

We offer you

Full-time supervision through the whole period of PhD studies and care in any formal and technical problems.

Extensive courses in Chironomidae identification, genetic lab works, and statistics used in the project.

Excellent infrastructure, including genetic lab and good quality optical equipment as well as work spaces divided into small rooms (no open space).

Extensive options of vocational training (i.a. expert lectures and seminars, cheap Polish and English language courses).

Flexible working hours and various models to ensure the compatibility of family and career.

Cheap accommodation in PhD students’ dormitory house (rent with all utilities ca. 150€ per month), kindergarten on the campus, scholarship of ca. 500-700€ per month (enough to live well in Poland).

Health insurance is also granted for non-EU PhD students.

The promotion of equal rights is a matter of course for us. Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Interested? The doctoral thesis will be jointly supervised by prof. Michał Grabowski (michal.grabowski@biol.uni.lodz.pl) and dr Mateusz Płóciennik (mateusz.plociennik@biol.uni.lodz.pl). We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) e-mailed to the dr Mateusz Płóciennik (mateusz.plociennik@biol.uni.lodz.pl). In any question please contact dr Płóciennik on RG or by Skype (Skype address: mplociennik10, Lodz, Poland).