Graduate position: PhD in Insect Ecology, Univ. Bremen

University of Bremen, Population Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology Group
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to study interactions between parasitoid wasps (Fopius arisanus) and arboreal weaver ants (Oecophylla longinoda) as well as ants and Mango fruit flies within a biological control project against an invasive Mango fruit fly (Bactrocera invadens) in Eastern Africa. The project aims at clarifying the efficiency of weaver ants in disturbing oviposition in native and introduced Mango fruit flies, and to study possible effects of weaver ants on foraging of native and introduced parasitoids. The studies will be conducted at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, one of the leading research institutions for insect ecology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Time at the University of Bremen will be allotted for data analysis, paper preparation, and soft-skill courses.
The position will start on September 1, 2011 and will be paid for 3 years on a stipend basis (1024.- EUR), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The successful candidate is expected to hold a Diploma or Master degree in Biology or related field and should be highly interested in entomology and behavioural ecology. Experience with quantitative behavioural observation and statistical analysis of data would be appreciated.
Please send your electronic application in a single pdf-file until *July 1, 2011* to Prof. Dr. Thomas S. Hoffmeister, Population Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute of Ecology, Department of Biology /Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. NW2, 28359 Bremen.
Your application letter should be accompanied by your CV, and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of two referees.