[Sweden] Scholarship Description:The aim of the proposed PhD project is to increase the knowledge about the reproductive biology and chemical ecology of species within a spruce seed-feeding guild of insects. Wood production has a large socioeconomic role in Sweden and will also be important for the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere in the future. Seed orchards serve an important role for the production of high-quality seeds and thus in the generation of new forests. However, insects are chronic pests and cause great losses in seed production. Therefore, more knowledge is needed about the most important insect species in order to be able to design reliable and sustainable monitoring and control strategies. Within the project different aspects of chemical ecology of the target species will be studied, e.g. the role of flower odours for orientation and selection of oviposition sites, pheromone communication for mate location, and the role of odours for attracting natural enemies. Also studies on dispersal, competition and climate-induced modifications of life history strategies might be included.
Eligibility/Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a Master´s degree or equivalent in ecology, entomology, forestry or similar areas, and preferably with competence in chemistry/chemical ecology. Laboratory work will include insect rearing, chemical analyses, electrophysiology and behavioural assays. Fieldwork is an essential part of the project and the applicant should preferably have a driving licence. Skills in planning experiments and proven abilities to adapt to current knowledge of ecological areas will be of merit. The project will involve teamwork and will require good collaborative skills. Fieldwork may require flexible working hours. A very good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 9-11-2010
Further Scholarship Information and Application
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