PhD position: Evolution of Chemoreception in Parasitoids

PhD position: Evolution of Chemoreception in Parasitoids

Chemical signaling , the most ancient and widespread form of communication, plays a crucial role in maintaining species boundaries through exclusive communication channels that potentially drive speciation. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are lipids found on the surface of insects that encode species‑specific sexual signals. How insects perceive, discriminate, and process CHC profiles is poorly understood.

PhD Position : The PhD candidate will investigate the chemoreception networks involved in CHC perception within the parasitoid wasp (Nasonia) species complex. Employing single‑sensillum recording (SSR), gas‑chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‑MS), electro‑antennographic detection (EAD), RNAi knockdowns, and behavioral olfactometer assays, the candidate will explore how divergence in CHC perception may contribute to prezygotic reproductive isolation. The work will advance knowledge of CHC perception mechanisms and chemicobasic speciation processes.

The successful candidate will join the Heisenberg group “Evolution of chemical communication” (PD Dr. Jan Buellesbach) at the Plant‑Insect Interactions group (Prof. Sara D. Leonhardt) within the TUM Department of Life Science Systems. Starting date fall 2025. Position is fixed‑term (36 months). Salary scale: TV‑L 13, 65 %.

Job Profile – Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental work to elucidate chemoreception networks in CHC perception.
• Apply advanced techniques such as SSR, GC‑MS, EAD, RNAi, and behavioral assays.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at conferences.
• Collaborate with group members and contribute to ongoing research projects.

Qualifications

• Strong interest and motivation in evolutionary and chemical ecological research.
• MSc or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., evolutionary biology, chemical ecology, sensory biology).
• Strong experience with chemoreception and sensory biological techniques (SSR, GC‑EAD, EAG).
• Experience in analytical chemistry (GC‑FID, GC‑MS).
• Experience or willingness to learn statistical data analysis, data processing, and analytical chemical analyses.
• Excellent command of the English language (written & oral) and experience with scientific writing.

Benefits & Compensation

• Friendly and inspiring working atmosphere in a highly international young research group.
• Graduate education at an excellent university ranked number 1 in Germany and 12th worldwide.
• Free access to transferable skill and statistical courses as part of the TUM Graduate School and the Biodiversity Exploratories.

Salary & Conditions

TUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. Applications from disabled persons with essentially the same qualifications will be given preference. By submitting your application you confirm that you have read and understood the data protection information provided by TUM (please view our privacy policy at TUM Portal ).

Application

We invite applications from highly motivated candidates with passion for and experience in chemical ecological research, and ideally with experience in chemoreception and chemical analyses. Please send your application as a single PDF document (motivation letter, short summary of research interests and experience, CV, and names/contacts of two potential referees) to Jan Buellesbach ( ) by 3rd July 2025.

Data Protection Information

When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information to TUM. Please note the data protection information in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By submitting your application you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

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