Doctoral Position and Scholarship in Biology, Switzerland

The Institute of Parasitology at the University of Zurich is offering a PhD position focused on investigating the microhabitat selection strategies of various mosquito species. This research aims to understand how meteorological factors influence mosquito behavior and their capacity to transmit pathogens, ultimately contributing to vector-borne disease risk models.

Work on microhabitat selection strategies of four mosquito species, analyze their response to temperature fluctuations, and investigate the effect on fitness and vector competence. Conduct experiments with a laboratory setup and infect mosquitoes with pathogens in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. Collaborate with international research partners and participate in data analysis and interpretation.

The cclosing date for submitting applications is 12/06/2024

More Details About The Doctoral Position and Scholarship in Biology – University of Zurich, Switzerland

The Institute of Parasitology is part of the Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty. The Vector Entomology Group is one of the institute’s four independent research groups. The Vector Entomology Group is engaged in experimental and descriptive research on various aspects of insects (vectors) that can transmit pathogens. Thus, we address questions of vector biology and behaviour, vector capacity, molecular identification and novel control and monitoring approaches. We are an international group of scientists (biologists, veterinarians) with a strong track of extramural funding.

We offer a dynamic and stimulating research environment focusing on the field of vector entomology, as well as access to research infrastructure within a team of approximately 12 vector entomologists. The position is limited to four years. Further, a technical assistant for insect rearing and experimental work will be appointed for four years. PhD salary in accordance with the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

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Your responsibilities

The PhD candidate will work on a project in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Florian Muijres, from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. In this project, the microclimate selection strategies of four mosquito species (Aedes albopictus, Ae. japonicus, Ae. aegypti and Anopheles gambiae) will be investigated. Because mosquitoes are ectotherms, meteorological factors and especially temperature will directly affect their fitness, population dynamics and their capacity to transmit pathogens (vector competence). We showed mosquitoes evade unfavourable temperatures through microhabitat selection (Hug et al., 2024). However, the effects on fitness and vector competence still need to be addressed. In addition, it is still unclear how mosquitoes navigate these preferred microhabitats under natural conditions. In the project, we will study both the behavioural and molecular mechanism of microhabitat selection and its effect on mosquito’s competence as vectors.

The successful candidate will work with a laboratory setup that simulates different temperature zones and determine the preferred microhabitat of mosquitoes using a camera system that allows automatic tracking of mosquitoes. The candidate will also work in large cage setups (2x2x2m) with natural vegetation under semi-natural conditions to confirm our findings from the laboratory. In another experiment, the candidate will infect the mosquitoes with pathogens (viruses/parasites) in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory and test the effect of pathogen infection on microhabitat selection during the whole infection period. The proposed project will generate fundamental information on the effects of microhabitat selection on vectors and their pathogens to help improve vector-borne disease risk models. The successful candidate will also work closely with the group in Wageningen, The Netherlands, and have regular meetings and research visits.

Your profile

Qualifications

MSc in Biology or a related discipline, with experience in insect or animal behaviour studies.
Proficiency in in statistical analysis using R.
Experience in molecular biology is desirable.
A technical background and/or expertise in video tracking, for example, with Ethovision or Python is a significant advantage.
Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in German is advantageous (the primary language of the group is English).

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