Climatic variation and climate change influence the functioning of organisms, in particular of those that depend on environmental temperature, such as plants and insects. Whereas many studies have addressed the influence of climatic variables on individual organisms, studies of the influence on species interactions are crucial to predict the effects of climate change on the functioning and stability of communities and ecosystems, and the sustainability of ecosystem services such as biological control. The overall aim is to generate predictions on the effect of climate change, in particular increase of average temperature and increased amplitude of short-term temperature fluctuation on the interactions between plant, plant-feeding insect and natural enemy. Our recent work has demonstrated that the response of interacting species to temperature differs and may lead to disruption of parasitoid-host interactions when exposed to atypical climatic regimes. The project will study responses to temperature of plant and insect populations originating from different climatic zones. Genetic variation at candidate gene-loci involved in temperature-dependent processes will be quantified.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate who can work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit.
You have:

• An MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences or a related discipline
• Proven interest in species interactions at organismal and molecular levels
• Experience with experimental research on insects
• Excellent research skills
• Experience with statistical data analysis
• Ability to work in an independent manner
• Proficient in English, written and spoken
• Organizational and communication skills

Within the Laboratory of Entomology, PhD students are encouraged to supervise MSc thesis students when such opportunities arise.

Fixed-term contract: Onbekend.

We offer a full-time position (38 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. Gross salary per month € 2191,- in the first year rising to
€ 2801,- per month in the fourth year, for a fulltime appointment. The candidate will be based at the Laboratory of Entomology in Wageningen.

Wageningen University & Research

At the Laboratory of Entomology the research team consists of ambitious scientists and we aim at an interdisciplinary approach from cellular to community level to unravel biological phenomena underlying the functioning of plant-insect communities, insect vectored diseases, insect neurobiology and insects as food and feed. The Laboratory of Entomology is part of the Plant Sciences Group of the Wageningen University and Research Centre.

Wageningen University and Research Centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.
Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.
For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.jobsat.wur.nl