Institute of Parasitology

PhD position in microhabitat selection in mosquitoes 100 %

Start of employment 01.02.2025

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.

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).

Information on your application

Please submit your electronic application including a cover letter, CV, Diplomas and references (four separate pdf-files) until 6. December 2024.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Niels Verhulst Head of Vector Entomology Group 044 635 85 36
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Niels Verhulst

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

Questions about the application procedure

Esther Züst Admin. Assistant 044 635 85 03
Contact Form

Contact question to: Esther Züst

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH