PhD student

Plant Protection Biology in Alnarp 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Plant Protection Biology Markers for host resistance and host acceptance in aggressive bark beetles The conifer forest biome is an important CO2-sink.In the face of increasing climatic stress a priority is to maintain cover of mature conifer forest.Insect damage is an important proximate cause of conifer tree mortality, especially in mature Norway spruce (Picea abies).We are attempting to find the genetic (genome) and phenetic (transcriptome and physiology) background and markers for the host resistance and host acceptance in aggressive bark beetles.Our initial questions addresses the interplay of tree and insect: 1.What are the differences in the chemical composition of bark and volatile emission of declining or damaged trees compared to healthy trees?Can we find antennal response to compounds which are degrading (oxygenating) or have greatly altered concentrations?2.When beetles attack living trees the reduced vitality of the attacked tree is often not obvious.Can we find similar patterns in attacked trees than we may find in declining trees or may these two be different systems of attraction?3.Can we get a clue to compounds which are part of negative signals by artificially inducing defence reactions and measuring the changes in the bark and volatile emission?4.Can we differentiate chemical changes from individual (genotype) variation?5.How to test different behavioural response according to beetles condition?The work will involve work at campuses in Sweden (SLU and HiK) and in Norway (Ås) and Germany (MPI Jena). Qualifications: Master in Biology or similar.Proven independent work style and experience in conducting experiments with insect chemical ecology in laboratory and the field.GIS training for ecologists.Spoken and written English sufficient for high-level international collaborations.Good knowledge of bark beetle related field work and chain-saw operation.Drivers licence and access to car. SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level.Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e.had completed a programme of higher education for at least 120 credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Complete advt: personal.slu.se/job