Some like it hot: how mismatch between host and pathogen thermal ecology influences adaptation to global change

Global change is predicted to result in both rapidly changing environments and dramatic changes in disease outbreaks. Key to predicting winners and losers under the nexus of infection and global change is any mismatch between hosts and pathogens in their thermal tolerances and adaptive potential. This PhD project aims to explore how tropical and temperate populations might respond to the dual threat of parasitism and changing temperatures, and if the effects will be felt equally between all sexes, individuals, or genotypes in a population. It aims to develop evolutionary and epidemiological approaches that can help define the types of host and pathogen characteristics that lead to extinction risks under future warming. To find out more please visit http://www.mattdhall.com.

Candidates with experience in evolutionary genetics, behavioural ecology or host-pathogen interactions are encouraged to apply, although experience in these areas is not necessary. There are opportunities to design projects that focus on population biology, evolutionary genetics, experimental epidemiology, or combinations of the above. The starting date can be any time during the first half of 2019.

Application process: Interested candidates should send their CV and academic transcript, along with a cover letter outlining their research interests and motivation to [email protected]. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree with first-class Honours, Master of Science or MPhil. Short-listed candidates will be asked for further information and will be interviewed.