We are looking for a PhD student to study the evolution of egg laying site selection in Drosophila. While most fruitflies species use decaying plant or fruit substrates to lay their eggs, some species have evolved a preference for ripe fruit substrates. One of these species is Drosophila suzukii, an invasive species that causes severe damage to the fruit industry in many countries.The goal of the project is to peer into the genetic and neuronal mechanisms involved in the selection of egg laying site in Drosophila, and the changes responsible for the evolution of this innate behavior in Drosophila suzukii. The approaches we are using to tackle this question include behavioral tests and functional (genetic) manipulations in an inter-species comparative context.
The project is funded by the A*MIDEX foundation, supported by the Initiative of Excellence at the Aix-Marseille University (AMU). The PhD position is funded for 3 years and should start in September or October 2015. The position is exclusively for students outside the AMU.
Please send applications, including a motivation letter, a CV, a description of research experience and interests, and contact information for 2-3 references to:
benjamin.prudhomme@univ-amu.fr
Our lab is part of the Institute of Developmental Biology of Marseille (IBDM), an interdisciplinary research center studying developmental biology and neurobiology. More information about the lab and the institute can be found here : (http:// www.prudhommelab.com/ www.ibdm.univ-mrs.fr / ) !
Evolution of egg laying site choice in Drosophila