[Mitarbeiter.zoologie] Fwd: Graduate position: CharlesU_Prague.SocialInsectEvolution

[Robert Paxton]

Dear All,

Michael Mikat is advertising a PhD on social evolution. Many of you may remember him from his time with us.

Robert



> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: evoldir at evol.biology.mcmaster.ca
> Subject: Graduate position: CharlesU_Prague.SocialInsectEvolution
> Date: 10 February 2025 at 06:11:25 CET
> To: robert.paxton at zoologie.uni-halle.de
> Reply-To: <michael.mikat at gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> Reproductive division of labor in facultative eusocial Hymenoptera
> 
> PhD Position, Department of Zoology, Charles University, Prague
> Supervisor: Michael Mikát
> 
> Deadline of call: 1st April, 2024
> 
> Insect societies are among the most successful and fascinating outcomes
> of evolution, largely due to the presence of workers—individuals
> who sacrifice their own reproduction to support the reproduction of
> others. Reproductive altruism is a central concept in the study of social
> insects, yet much remains unknown about the conditions that enable its
> emergence. While a substantial body of theoretical research exists on
> the origins of reproductive altruism, few studies have investigated the
> extent of this phenomenon in simple insect societies.
> 
> This project seeks to explore reproductive skew in carpenter bees
> (Xylocopinae), a group characterized by relatively simple social
> structures, using genetic markers. Student will assess within-nest
> relatedness across 10 Xylocopinae species and integrate our findings with
> data from approximately 20 other simple social Hymenoptera species. By
> identifying the key factors influencing reproductive skew and testing
> the applicability of existing reproductive skew models, we aim to refine
> or develop more accurate models. Ultimately, our research seeks to shed
> light on the origins and persistence of reproductive division of labor,
> advancing our understanding of the evolution of social insects.
> 
> Required Qualifications:
> - MSc degree (for Ph.D. applicants) in the field of biology.
> - Strong writing and communication skills.
> - Interest in the evolution of social insects.
> - Passion for biology.
> 
> Preferred Qualifications:
> - Experience with entomological research.
> - Proficiency in statistical analysis (e.g., R).
> - Programming skills (e.g., Python).
> - Experience with bioinformatics.
> - Ability to work and endure harsh field conditions.
> - Familiarity with relatedness analysis, particularly using
>  microsatellites.
> 
> Prospective candidates should submit an academic CV (including a list of
> publications).
> Additionally, please provide a motivation letter addressing the following
> points:
> a) The biological questions and approaches that interest you most.
> b) Your interest in and experience with social insects.
> c) Your previous experience in biological research.
> d) Provide references to senior researchers you have collaborated with
>   in the past.
> 
> The deadline for this call is April 1. The most promising candidates
> will be invited to an online meeting, which will take place during
> April. Start of the project: September 2025
> 
> Supervisor: Michael Mikát
> https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Mikat?ev=hdr_xprf
> Team members: Jiří Hadrava, Daniel Benda
> Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague,
> Czech Republic
> Contact: michael.mikat at gmail.com   (if you are interested to additional
> info, do not hesitate to ask)
> 
> Michael Mikát <michael.mikat at gmail.com>
> 
> (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
> golding at mcmaster.ca<mailto:golding at mcmaster.ca>)
> 
> 


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