Our INCITE partner Prof. Ralf Stanewsky together with Prof. Joachim Kurtz (University of Münster) are looking for a PhD student to work on a DFG funded project to establish Tribolium castaneum as a new model for studying individual variation and evolution of circadian rhythms. In contrast to most model organisms employed in chronobiological studies, this beetle exhibits considerable individual variation in rhythmicity. Some individuals display clear rhythmic behaviour, while others are arrhythmic. The proposed research aims to utilise this natural variation in behaviour, in combination with the intrinsic strengths of this model, such as large-scale breeding capacity and well-established genetic and genomic tools, to address key questions regarding the evolvability of rhythmic behavior and the potential role of social interactions in strengthening these rhythms. The candidate will establish valuable tools such as clock gene mutations as well as beetle lines with stable expression of a clock-luciferase enhancer trap and fusion genes to analyse the molecular mechanisms of the T. castaneum clock. Experience in molecular biology and genetics in Tribolium or other model organisms is desirable. Please see here for more details and how to apply (deadline Jan 15, 2025):
https://stellen.uni-muenster.de/jobposting/f43b6f0e21c1c907ef57480ed7be912d9cb4d7f30?ref=homepage