PhD positions

Wed Nov 13 15:24:51 CST 2002

Please, spread this info to all people possibly interested!

Posted on behalf of Prof Christer L?fstedt

Bj?rn Salomon

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GRADUATE STUDIES (PhD studentships) IN INSECT CHEMICAL ECOLOGY/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY,  LUND UNIVERSITY

We search for new Ph D students in the field of insect chemical communication at the Department of Ecology, Lund University, to work within research projects about molecular analysis of odorant recognition and the evolution of pheromone communication in moths.

Sex pheromone communication in moths is a well investigated case of mate-finding by chemical signals, but the evolutionary causes of the great complexity and diversity of these signals are still not generally agreed on. The following projects are suggested to deepen our understanding of how species-specific pheromones have evolved and how specific pheromone production and response are controlled:

PHEROMONE  COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IN MOTHS - MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF BIOSYNTHESIS AND EVOLUTION
(reference no. 670)
Supervisors: Christer L?fstedt (christer.lofstedt at ekol.lu.se) and Jean-Francois Picimbon   (jean-francois.picimbon at ekol.lu.se)

Topic. Most moth species make use of acetate/alcohol-type pheromone components, which may be derived from palmitic or stearic acid by ?11 desaturation. Some families and subfamilies within Lepidoptera, however, use a hydrocarbon-type of pheromone components that can be derived biosynthetically from linoleic and linolenic acid. The pheromone-compound dichotomy between groups of moths is intriguing: How can a pheromone system, including both sender and receiver characteristics, change from one type to another? Is it possible that the more advanced system evolved twice or is there a more parsimonious phylogenetic explanation?
Using the data on the distribution of the genes involved in pheromone biosynthesis a reconstruction of pheromone evolution among higher moths will be attempted. Related genes will be investigated in primitive moths.
A parallel project addresses the biochemical and genetic control of the production of specific pheromone-component ratios in pheromone glands.
Techniques. Depending on the interests of the successful applicant(s), the approach may include a different mix of molecular, biochemical and phylogenetic approaches. Applicant should preferably have a strong interest in evolutionary biology, chemical communication, biochemistry and/or molecular biology, and have some experience with the main techniques of general molecular biology and enzyme assays.

MOLECULAR BASIS OF ODORANT RECEPTION
 (reference no. 671)
Supervisors: Jean-Francois Picimbon (jean-francois.picimbon at ekol.lu.se) and Christer L?fstedt (christer.lofstedt at ekol.lu.se)
Topic The research project  addresses the molecular components of the reception of pheromone/odorant signals as expressed through the insect chemosensory system using moths, flies and locusts as scientific models. The approaches used include: 1) molecular cloning of genes encoding olfactory receptor proteins (ORs), their localization, expression and functional characterization, 2) identification of receptor ligands and protein partners, 3) phylogenetical analysis of ORs and 4) physical studies and probabilistic modelling for ligand-receptor recognition. From such a study a clarification of genetic relatedness ("molecular evolution") between insect ORs as well as the molecular basis of olfactory-induced behavior can be expected. Interest for the industrial sector arises principally because of ORs potential in understanding and control of the chemosensory systems.
Techniques. Applicant should preferably have a strong interest in Neurobiology, Entomology and Molecular Biology, and be capable to handle the main techniques of general molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Experiences with techniques such as in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, receptor protein expression, binding assays, crystallization, NMR and computer receptor modelling are a merit.

General qualifications
The projects are multidisciplinary. Applicants should have basic education in chemistry and biology (BSc/MSc), with preferences given to those with extra training in chemical ecology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience with the techniques listed under the respective projects will be an advantage.

Starting date
Anyone who is interested in applying for a position within these two projects is welcome to contact the proposed supervisors for further information. Under the assumption that qualified applicants are available, financial support may begin from January 2003, after completion of a formal research plan in cooperation with the intended supervisor. Starting date for the studies can be preliminary agreed upon together with the supervisors and will be confirmed by a decision in the department board.

Financial support and course of study
The accepted candidates will  be awarded PhD studentships that are fully funded salaried  positions for 4 years (160 points) on the understanding that the students make progress in accordance with the requirements for a Swedish  PhD. A Swedish thesis generally consists  of 3-5 scientific papers aimed for international publication and an extensive summary.  The required 160 points comprise 40 points course work and 120 points research.

Applications
Interested candidates should contact the supervisors, and also submit a written application, including a curriculum vitae, attested copies of examination certificates and any relevant service certificates, copies of honour's thesis and any other documents of interest. All applications should quote the reference numbers given above. The application should be delivered to the secretariat of the faculty, Kansli N, Lunds universitet, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden, no later than November 27th,  2002.

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Christer L?fstedt, professor
Department of Ecology
Lund University
S-223 62 Lund, SWEDEN
Telephone: +46 46 222 93 38 Cellular: +46 70 511 94 81  FAX: +46 46 222 47 16
Home: +46 46 211 94 81
E-mail: Christer.Lofstedt at ekol.lu.se
Homepage: http://www.pheromone.ekol.lu.se/

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