Biological sciences
PhD student in the Doctoral School – call for applications
Position: PhD student in Biological Sciences discipline
Unit of the project realization: Faculty of Biology, Nature Protection, and Sustainable Development – University of Rzeszów
Unit realizing the PhD student education: Rzeszów University Doctoral School
The PhD student will undertake doctoral studies at the Doctoral School and will be involved in the implementation of the research project. The PhD student will conduct experiments related to the reactions of insects to stress.
Research will be carried out in the frame of the project „Bacillus subtilis as a novel biological agent in eradicating aphids”, OPUS 24 ,2022/47/B/NZ9/03472, financed from 01.10.2023 under management of dr. hab. Roma Durak, prof. UR
Duration of the scholarship: 48 months (project funding: 21 months)
Scholarship amount (gross gross): 5000 PLN/month
Project description:
Biological methods of plant protection against insects use their natural enemies and microorganisms. The defense mechanisms of aphids against microorganisms are poorly understood, but the data so far indicate that the response of aphids to bacterial infections is poorer than in other insects. One of the potential reasons for reducing aphids' defense mechanisms against bacterial infections may be that these insects are hosts for intracellular symbionts that produce and provide them with essential amino acids and vitamins absent in the food taken and protect them against natural enemies, e.g., parasitic Hymenoptera. However, using bacteria as a biopreparation to control aphid populations requires a better understanding of the response of these insects to bacterial infections. In the project, we will focus on understanding the defense mechanisms of three economically important species of aphids in response to infections with various strains of Bacillus subtilis. In the project we ask: (1) how B. subtilis infect the aphid species and colonize their tissues, (2) what are the aphids’ defense mechanisms against infection of B. subtilis, (3) how bacterial infection influences the aphid feeding behavior (4) which metabolomic changes may be caused by B. subtilis infection, and (5) whether B. subtilis may be used for effective biocontrol of aphid population. The PhD student will assess the ability of B. subtilis to control aphid populations. The PhD student will also conduct a comprehensive analysis of behavioral, biochemical and metabolic reactions of aphids to B. subtilis infection.
Requirements:
- Sc. degree in Biology
- Experience in methodology in the field of entomology, microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics
- Proven experience in field research and laboratory experiments using aphids
- Good organization and interpersonal skills
- Good English language skills
Required documents:
- Motivation letter with a description of scientific interests
- CV
- List of scientific publications and other scientific achievements with description of the candidate's contribution
- Copy of the MSc diploma
- Two reference contacts
Candidates should register in UR recruitment system and select „Recruitment form for candidates applying for admission under research projects”.
Documents should be delivered till 25.08.2025 to an e-mail: rdurak@ur.edu.pl
In case of any questions, before the formal application please contact to the grant leader for the e-mail address given above.
Documents will be rated by the project leader. Admission will be carried out according to the NCN regulations. Admission can be carried out both in Polish and in English. Final decision will be sent to candidates via e-mail till 26.08.2025.