PhD position in Chemical Ecology – University of Eastern Finland

PhD position in Chemical Ecology – University of Eastern Finland

A PhD position is available with immediate effect within the Chemical Ecology group of the department of Environmental Science (Kuopio campus). For more information
see: http://www.uef.fi/ceg/index. The position is within the collaborative research project A-BIO-VOC (Induction of plant VOC emissions by biotic and abiotic stresses
and consequences for community ecology: a multidisciplinary approach), which is within the Eurocores – EuroVol programme. For more information see:
http://www.esf.org/activities/eurocores/programmes-in-preparation/eurovol.html.

A-BIO-VOC is a collaborative research project involving six European partners and one associated partner. The successful applicant will have excellent opportunities to
collaborate with the other groups involved in the project. The PhD position is a salaried post funded until 31.12.2013. The contract will preferably start on March 1st 2011.

Brief project synopsis
Plants emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in response to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses and our understanding of plant responses to individual
stress factors of both types has increased considerably in recent years. However, studies of different stress combinations are extremely limited. This is especially true
of combined biotic and abiotic stresses, which with future climate changes are set to become increasingly significant. Increase in tropospheric ozone, a phytotoxic
secondary pollutant, constitutes one of the most important facets of climate change with respect to agriculture. This project will focus on researching the volatile
emissions from brassicaceous plants exposed to combined (insect) herbivore feeding and ozone stress and the subsequent effects on organisms of higher trophic levels.

Requirements
Applicants for this position must have completed (or will complete in the next few weeks) an MSc in an appropriate field (Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Chemical
Ecology). The applicant should be able to work independently and conduct research under both laboratory and field conditions.

To apply for this position and for more information please contact
Dr. James Blande. Applications should consist of a letter of
motivation and a CV with 2 reference contacts.
James.Blande@uef.fi.
Tel: +358 40 3553210