Postdoctoral researcher position at University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Finland

EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF PARASITE CO-INFECTIONS

We are looking for candidates to fill a postdoctoral position in a project exploring responses of parasites and their hosts to multiple parasite species and genotype infections. The position is funded by the Academy of Finland.

Wild hosts are typically infected with a range of parasite species and genotypes of one species at the same time. This has significant implications for parasite-parasite interactions (one factor underlying parasite virulence) and for host’s ability to defend itself against infections. These associations may also be subjected to considerable variation depending on the stage of a parasite life cycle. This is particularly true for parasites with complex life cycles that include several consecutive hosts with different conditions for co-infections in each. However, very little is currently known about these interactions in natural host-parasite systems. Currently, we focus on

• the role of antagonistic and facilitative parasite interactions in shaping co-infection dynamics
• the role of host responses in determining the outcome of multiple infections
• the influence of spatiotemporal dynamics of host-parasite interactions on patterns of parasite community assembly

Considerable latitude in specific research questions will be given according to personal interests of the candidate.

As a study system we use mainly trematodes with complex life cycles including multiple consecutive host species.

A successful candidate will have a PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology, parasitology, or related field. We are seeking for a highly motivated person with problem solving skills, experience of experimental work, and a record of successful publications.

We offer stimulating working environment in an international Department that houses several internationally recognized research groups and the Centre of excellence in Biological interactions funded by the Academy of Finland.

• Application deadline: 20 December 2013
• Starting date: immediately but negotiable
• Duration of the position: 2 years with a possible extension
• Salary: 3000-3500 Euros per month depending on the qualifications of the candidate. Health insurance and other benefits are included.

Send a brief letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, and contact details of two references as a single PDF to Dr. Anssi Karvonen (anssi.t.karvonen@jyu.fi).
For more information visit http://users.jyu.fi/~anskarv/

Dr. Anssi Karvonen
anssi.t.karvonen@jyu.fi