A three-year PhD position (earliest beginning: 01.12.2011) in evolutionary biology is available at the

Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK, section Coleoptera) in Bonn, Germany. We are

seeking a postgraduate student keen on exploring patterns of speciation and diversity in South African

Scarab beetles incorporating molecular systematics routines, niche modelling and morphological work

including morphometrics. The candidate will take part in the DFG-funded project “Comparative

phylogeography of South African chafers”, that aims to understand the evolutionary processes underlying

the exceptional diversity of herbivore chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern Africa using a

combination of phylogenetic, morphological, macroecological and biogeographical data. The successful

candidate is expected to work in a team composed of MSc/BSc students, taxonomic experts, and

ecological niche modellers.

The positive, team-oriented candidate will be expected to join field work, conduct high-throughput DNA

lab routines, process and manage sequence data, analyse sequence data, conduct comparative analyses,

model species distribution and niches, help to supervise MSc/BSc students working in the project, and

take part in conferences. Desired would be experiences in digital imaging and preparation of insects as

well as in molecular systematics and DNA labwork. Candidates with specific experience in morphometrics

and/or bioinformatics are encouraged to apply as well.

The applicant should hold a Master in biology or related disciplines and a driving license. S/he must be

able to work independently, but also be willing to cooperate in the project team. The position is available

from 1 December 2011, and funding is available through October 2014. Aside from field work, the

position will be based at the ZFMK in Bonn. The ZFMK is one of the largest natural history research

museums in Germany, including the new Center for Molecular Biodiversity with sections of bioinformatics,

barcoding and genomics. The combination of classical museum work and various cutting-edge

approaches at ZFMK attracts researchers and students of all levels, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere.

Bonn is an attractive university town, widely recognized for its high quality of life, lively culture and arts

scene, easy access to natural areas paired with close proximity to large cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf.

Costs of living are moderate, and public transport or bicycle paths are easy transportation options. Salary

is according to grade TV-L 13 in the German Public Service scheme.

The ZFMK advocates gender equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Disabled

people with equal qualifications will be favoured.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, CV, relevant reprints (up to five) and phone & email addresses

of two references to Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Heike Lenz, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn

or h.lenz@zfmk.de. The letter of interest should explicitly address relevant experience/expertise as listed

above. Review of applications will start October 31, 2011 and continue until the position is filled. Any

questions about the position should be directed to Dirk Ahrens d.ahrens.zfmk@uni-bonn.de