Department of Agriculture and Ecology,
Faculty of Life Sciences,
University of Copenhagen
POST: Ph.D. fellow in Trophic interactions between generalist predators and pests in strawberry and apple
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
AIM:
The project will aim to perform an integrated study of key factors that determine the contribution of generalist predators to pest control in strawberry and apple. Emphasis will be on the ecology and interaction of pests and their natural enemies and how these are affected by landscape and functional biodiversity. Specific topics to be addressed include: 1) Conservation biological control including field and landscape effects on pests and their natural enemies, 2) Predator-prey interactions 3) Synergies/antagonisms between predators and microbiological control agents.
BACKGROUND:
Insect and mite pests can cause significant losses in fruit and berries. Key pests in strawberries are weevils (Anthonomus rubi), tortricids, true bugs (Lygus rugulipennis), and mites (Tetranychus urticae). In apple the major pest is codling moth, Cydia pomonella. To reduce pesticide use in these high value crops, alternative pest control methods are needed. Knowledge of the ecology and interaction of pests and their natural enemies in relation to crop parameters and the surrounding habitat provides a necessary basis to develop conservation biological control. Ecological infrastructures such as flower strips sown along or inside a crop may be used to conserve natural enemies hereby reducing pest populations, (conservation biological control). A combination of field studies (video, sentinel prey), laboratory studies and habitat/landscape analysis can be used. Studies of interactions between predator, prey and plants can provide insight into selected predators´ potential for biological control and how their use may be affected by field and landscape parameters. Synergies/antagonisms between predators and microbiological control agents (entomopathogenic fungi) can also affect the outcome of biological control, and may be assessed by bioassays. Investigations on ecosystem service of natural enemies add as an economical measure of the value of natural control.
The PhD student will be based at the Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Zoology Section http://www.agreco.life.ku.dk/English/research/Insectpathology.aspx . The student will become part of a research team covering biological control, IPM and socio-economic aspects in the project IMBICONT: Improved biological control for IPM in fruits and berries 2012-2015, a research project between UCPH and Universidade de São Paulo, ESALQ, Brazil.
The successful applicant should have qualifications within several of the following areas:
Entomology
Population ecology
IPM/ biological control
Horticulture/ Agronomy
Experience with taxonomy, landscape analysis and/or statistical methods will be an asset.
Principal supervisor
Associated Professor
Lene Sigsgaard
(+45) 35 33 26 74
Department of Agriculture and Ecology
JOB DESCRIPTION
Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at LIFE are:
Manage and carry through your research project
Take PhD courses
Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
Participate in international congresses
Stay at a research institution abroad for a few months
Teach and disseminate your research
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
A master´s degree related to the subject area of the project
The grade point average achieved
Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
Previous publications
Relevant work experience
Other professional activities
Language skills
Interpersonal skills
Marks obtained during the first year of study on the master programme (only relevant for applicants applying for a 4-year scholarship)
FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
The positions are available for a 3-year period for applicants holding a relevant master´s degree or for a 4-year period for applicants who are already enrolled or are accepted to be enrolled at one of the Faculty´s master´s programmes.
At the time of commencement, applicants for the 4-year period must have approximately one year of study remaining before graduating from their MSc programme.
The successful applicant of the PhD scholarship must pass an enrolment in the LIFE Graduate School before the Faculty can finish the letter of employment.
Graduate School of Faculty of Life Sciences, LIFE strives to give our students the best international career prospects within our main research areas.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The position will be filled according to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The post is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications - in English - must include:
· Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project
· a sketch of suggested research questions with reference to the announcement and applicants own qualifications (max 2 pages)
· CV
· Diploma and transcripts of records
· Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any), peer reviewed and other
· Personal Recommendations
· A maximum of 3 relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment.
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008.
By the end of April 2012, all applicants will have received information regarding the evaluation of their application. Receipt of the application will not be acknowledged.
The application must be received no later than 15 March 2012. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.
QUESTIONS
For specific information about the PhD scolarship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD programmes is available at www.LIFE.ku.dk/LIFEphd .
Deadline: 15-03-2012
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