Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology PhD Position

May 15, 2008

There is an opening for a motivated PhD student at the Max Planck
Institute for Evolutionary Biology (formerly MPI for Limnology) to work
on a project titled “The evolution of complex parasite life cycles”.

Many parasites have complex life cycles that involve switching between
several host species. An increase in life cycle complexity entails clear
costs (e.g. parasites must be transmitted between separate hosts as
opposed to simply reproducing in the current host and they are likely
faced with physiologically and immunologically divergent host
environments). Given these costs, the evolution and maintenance of life
cycle complexity is paradoxical. Current theory suggests that parasites
may avoid mortality due to predation and/or be able to reach a larger
size at maturity when incorporating hosts at higher trophic levels,
while parasites that add hosts at a lower trophic level may facilitate
transmission to the final host and thereby reduce mortality rates. The
PhD project would address questions of importance in life cycle
evolution using a life history approach and the tapeworm Schistocephalus
solidus as a model system. This parasite has 3 hosts in its life cycle;
a copepod, a stickleback, and a piscivorous bird. A major advantage of
this system is that the bird final host can be replaced by an in vitro
system, permitting the entire life cycle to be conveniently kept in the
laboratory. Particular questions of interest include: What advantages
come with adding the bird host into the life cycle of Schistocephalus?
Why doesnt Schistocephalus grow in birds? How does the parasite invest
in switching between hosts and how is growth divided between hosts? Is
parasite investment into growth and/or transmission-related traits
flexible and context-dependent?

This project is being conducted in collaboration with Geoff Parker and
Jimmy Chubb (University of Liverpool). They are producing mathematical
models about life history evolution in complex life cycle parasites. We
intend to test their predictions and collect empirical data for further
refinement of their models.

The position is for 3 years and is research-oriented; there are very few
teaching duties. A Diplom, Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate
degree is required. Students with an interest in life history evolution
and host-parasite interactions are especially encouraged to apply.
Research experience with small animals is considered an asset. The MPI
for Evolutionary Biology is located in the city of Ploen in Northern
Germany and has excellent research facilities. The position will remain
open until filled.

Interested students should send their CV to Prof. Manfred Milinski and
Daniel Benesh:

Prof. Manfred Milinski
Executive Director
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology
Department of Evolutionary Ecology
August-Thienemann-Strasse 2
D-24306 Ploen, Germany
email: milinski@evolbio.mpg.de

Daniel Benesh
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology
Department of Evolutionary Ecology
email: benesh@mpil-ploen.mpg.de
http://www.mpil-ploen.mpg.de/

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