International Max Planck Research School "Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems"

The interactions within and among microbes, plants, herbivores, and predators affect individual fitness, population distribution and abundance, community structure, and the functioning of whole ecosystems. Most of the traits controlling these interactions are largely unknown, yet understanding them is crucial to an appreciation of the fundamental processes that structure all ecological systems. Thus, the all-encompassing goal of our Research School is to experimentally explore ecological interactions under natural conditions. The main focus is on the communication between plants, insects, microbes and their environment, as well as the behavioral consequences of these interactions. Students from all over the world trained in organic chemistry, biochemistry, ecology, entomology, neurobiology, ethology, bioinformatics, molecular biology or genetics, with a strong interest in ecological interactions may enroll in the program.

Participants are provided with excellent research conditions in an interdisciplinary environment, within a structured, three-year training program including practical courses, lectures, seminars, and participation in international conferences.

Scientific key words
Ecological Interactions, Chemical Ecology, Biotic Interactions, Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Entomology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Ethology, Evolutionary biology

Participating Institutions
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology; Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences)

Preferred language
English

Current number of doctoral candidates
70

How can I become a doctoral candidate? What is the method of selection?
Joint Recruitment, usually in September, for candidates recruited during one of the international recruitment procedure. PhD students recruited by other means can apply to join the program.

Are there fixed dates to apply?
Once per year

Are there possibilities to be funded in this programme?
Yes

Interesting for graduates of the following subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Entomology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Ethology, Evolutionary biology

Degree
Dr. rer. nat., PhD

Contact
Dr. Claudia Voelckel
Scientific Coordinator
MPI for Chemical Ecology
Hans-Knöll-Straße 8
D-07745 Jena
Phone: +49 (0)3641-571001
E-Mail: imprs@ice.mpg.de
Internet: http://imprs.ice.mpg.deExterner Link