Molecular diagnostics, historical biogeography and genetic structuring of the populations of model platyhelminth parasites
(tutor: Prof. Tomáš Scholz)
Hosted by: Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Parasitology
Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic
(The position will be co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state budget of the Czech Republic)
Workplace:
Laboratory of Helminthology (LH) is a part of the Institute of Parasitology (Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic) located in the city of České Budějovice (Budweis), some 150 km south to Prague. Its research lines include the systematics and phylogeny of basal groups of tapeworms (Cestoda) parasitising fishes, the parasite diversity in freshwater host-parasite systems and the use of trematode communities in molluscs as tools for monitoring environmental change focusing on eutrophication and climate change. The head of LH is Professor Tomáš Scholz and leader of the ecological team is Dr. Aneta Kostadinova from Bulgaria. Staff of the LH is international and includes students and postdoctoral fellows.
Position summary:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct molecular diagnostics, comparative phylogeographic and population genetics studies for selected model platyhelminth parasites: a complex of sibling trematode species of the genus Diplostomum and the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi. Using multiple molecular markers (cox1 and microsatellites) he/she will assess overall levels of genetic diversity across multiple populations and evaluate the effect of geography and hosts on genetic subdivision of the model systems on large spatial/host scales. The Fellow will interact with staff of the LH and will provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students in performing innovative research based on updated molecular and genetic methods. The project will include two stays of three months each (in 2013 and 2014) at the laboratory of Dr. D.T.J. Littlewood at The Natural History Museum in London, UK, where new approaches will be developed. The Fellow is expected to publish in leading international journals and to present his/her results in international and national conferences.
Duration of contract:
The successful candidate will be offered a position lasting up to 34 months, starting on 1 September 2012. The salary (c. 1800 euro) is competitive and provides a good living standard in the Czech Republic. Extension of the contract beyond 34 months may be possible, pending renewed funding
Qualifications:
Qualified applicants must have successfully obtained their PhD degree in parasitology, molecular ecology or related disciplines not earlier than 30 March 2008. The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and a strong background and publication record.
How to apply:
Applications should be sent in electronic form to T. Scholz (tscholz@paru.cas.cz), C/c to A. Navrátilová (navratilova@bc.cas.cz) no later than 27 July 2012 and should contain the following documents:
• Cover letter highlighting candidate’s motivation to apply; skills and science research background and
expertise which support the application
• Detailed CV including a list of publications and other achievements
• Certified academic transcripts and PhD diploma (scanned copies)
• Names and contact details of three referees.
