Internship position in agro-ecology/evolutionary biology/epigenetic/entomology

One internship position focusing on adaptive evolution, phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic of aphids is available at the Evolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB) laboratory in the group of Dr. Jean-Louis Hemptinne at the University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (France). The student will work under the supervision of Jean-Louis Hemptinne, Etienne Danchin, and Arnaud Sentis.

Topic:
Little is known about the importance of phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic mechanisms for species adaptation and evolution in the light of their paramount role for species survival and interactions, and for ecosystem functioning, crops yields and control of agricultural pests. The successful candidate will thus perform a transgenerational evolution experiment on aphid and their ladybeetle predator specifically focused on transgenerational non-genetic responses to biotic (i.e. predators) and abiotic (i.e. warming) stressors to better understand mechanisms of non-genetic inheritance for adaptive evolution and improve biological control of aphid pests under climate change. This includes routine maintenance of aphid colonies and conducting laboratory experiments, collecting data, and statistical analyses.

Key-words: aphid, ladybeetle, laboratory experiment, epigenetic, phenotypic plasticity, evolution, climate change, biological control.

For more information see:

http://www.edb.ups-tlse.fr/Hemptinne-Jean-Louis.html

http://www.edb.ups-tlse.fr/Danchin-Etienne

http://arnaudsentis.com/

Candidate competences:
We are seeking highly motivated students with good organizational skills and strong interests in experimental quantitative ecology, behavioral ecology or evolutionary ecology. Master students in biology, ecology, mathematics or a related field are welcomed. Students interested in both experimental and theoretical work are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates should be sufficiently fluent in English to be able to engage in discussions and write their report in that language. Previous experience with insects, laboratory experiments, use of spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) and statistical analyses (R software) will be appreciated.

To apply, please send your CV, motivation letter (1 page maximum), and names and contact information for two references to Arnaud Sentis (arnaud.sentis@gmail.com). Informal enquiries are welcome – please contact us by email.

Practical information:
Starting date: preferably from 1st January to 1st April 2016
Advisors: Jean-Louis Hemptinne, Etienne Danchin and Arnaud Sentis
Duration: ~3-6 months
Salary: stipends provided through the University of Toulouse will be available.
Location: Ecole Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA)
2, route de Narbonne (Auzeville Tolosane)
BP 22687
31326 CASTANET TOLOSAN Cedex
Tél. : + 33 (o)5 61 75 32 32

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Arnaud Sentis
Evolution and Biological Diversity (EDB) Laboratory
University of Toulouse III
Toulouse, France
Tel: + 335 61 75 34 52
Web: http://arnaudsentis.com