Dear colleague Please be so kind and forward this advertisement to potentially interested (and highly motivated) candidates. Thank you very much and best regards Ottmar Holdenrieder PhD position in Microbial Ecology A 3-year PhD position is available at the Forest Pathology & Dendrology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, to study the influence of genetic diversity and temperature on the fungal root endohyte Phialocephala fortinii s.l. Our study organism is a dominant root colonizer in conifer forests and operates across a wide range of the symbiontic continuum, ranging from parasitism to mutualism. The project seeks to understand the role of the genetic diversity of P. fortinii s.l. in shaping host communities in a changing world. The work includes inoculation experiments in microcosms, virulence assessments and molecular studies. The applicant is expected to hold an University degree in Natural Sciences (environmental sciences, environmental microbiology, experimental mycology, phytopathology or a related discipline, ideally with good background in molecular biology and statistics) which allows entering a PhD program, and very good organizational, analytical and writing skills. Applicants should submit a letter that summarizes motivation, interests and relevant experienc, a cv including undergraduate and masters/diploma transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 references (all as pdfs) to: ottmar.holdenrieder(a)env.ethz.ch Yearly salary 38000-44000.-SFr. Starting date: Ideally by the 1st of April 2008 or according to mutual agreement. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.