PhD Scholarship: Ageing in Ants: The Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz invites applications for a PhD position focusing on the molecular evolution of ageing in social insects, specifically ants. This project will explore how gene expression linked to ageing is influenced by social structures within these organisms.
PhD Scholarship: Molecular Evolution of Ageing in Ants
Designation:
PhD Position (E13 65%)
Research Area:
Molecular Evolution, Ageing, Social Insects
Location:
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Required:
- Master’s degree in Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Entomology, or related fields
- Strong written and spoken English skills
- Advantageous:
- Background in evolutionary biology or genomics
- Experience with insect rearing and behavior
- Proficiency in molecular techniques
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for transcriptomic and gene evolution analyses
Job Description:
The selected candidate will:
- Generate the first single-cell RNA-seq atlas of ageing in social insects.
- Investigate whether social insect reproductives experience stronger purifying selection over their lifespan compared to solitary species.
- Characterize cell type–specific senescence profiles.
- Collect high-quality RNA samples and analyze tissue- and age-specific transcriptional signatures
- Quantify the strength of selection across the lifespan and compare findings with patterns from solitary and social species.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A CV
- A one-page motivation letter outlining research interests
- Contact details for two referees
Applications should be sent to: ljaimesn@uni-mainz.de
Last Date to Apply:
From November 1st, 2025, until the position is filled.
For additional information about the GenEvo Research Training Group, visit: GenEvo Research Training Group. For further inquiries, contact Luisa Jaimes at ljaimesn@uni-mainz.de.
