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PhD position on eco-evolutionary processes in biological control
School of Biological Sciences
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
We have an opening for a PhD student to be based in the lab of Prof. Jason Tylianakis at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Project background
The PhD project will seek to understand how eco-evolutionary processes impact the success of biological control. It will build from recent work by our team on understanding parasitoid-host coevolutionary dynamics by extending them to real-world multispecies systems. The specifics of the project will be developed collaboratively with the successful candidate, but we envisage it involving laboratory and greenhouse experiments to test how coevolutionary processes determine the success of insect herbivore suppression.
This project will be carried out under the umbrella of Bioprotection Aotearoa - a national Centre of Research Excellence that exists to train the next generation of bioprotection researchers and to deliver world-class research that protects the productive and natural landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. We draw on our collective academic strengths to develop new and innovative solutions that protect our productive and natural landscapes from climate change, pathogens, pests and weeds.
For our previous work that has shaped our thinking on this project, see also:
Who you are
We’re looking for someone with a masters degree in ecology, evolution or related discipline, including a significant (i.e. 1 year full time) research component. Once selected, the preferred candidate would then need to apply to study at The University of Canterbury and meet the institutional criteria for entry prior to the scholarship being confirmed (check whether you meet these requirements here).
Experience with culturing insects in the lab and evidence of motivation to publish would be an advantage. However, a background working with insects in a non-ecological context (e.g. physiology, genetics) would unfortunately not be a good fit for our group’s research.
We expect any new lab members to contribute to a positive and supportive lab culture, where everybody is respected and diversity is valued.
Who you will work with
You will be based in the lab group of Jason Tylianakis, which has a strong focus on understanding the impacts of environmental change on species interactions and nature’s contributions to people. Our lab is diverse and interdisciplinary in thought and approach, and strives to cultivate an open, safe and supportive environment that values creativity, diversity, integrity and collaboration. We would therefore welcome applications from under-represented groups.
Jason’s mentoring style entails open communication and regular support and input to help lab members achieve their individual vision of success. This typically includes individual meetings to discuss each team member’s research approximately weekly, plus weekly lab group meetings to learn from one another.
Funding notes
The 3-year PhD Scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZ$35,000 tax-free, and in addition covers full university tuition fees, plus the project has additional funding towards reasonable research expenses.
How you apply
To apply, please email a cover letter that addresses your research interests and experience and specific directions in which you would like to see this position go. Please also provide a Curriculum Vitae including contact information for three referees. Please combine your cover letter and CV as a single pdf file (with your name in the file name).
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with “PhD in eco-evo dynamics” in the subject line of your email.
The initial closing date for this position is 6 June 2025 (midnight, NZ time), but it may remain open beyond this date until a suitable candidate is found.
School of Biological Sciences
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
We have an opening for a PhD student to be based in the lab of Prof. Jason Tylianakis at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Project background
The PhD project will seek to understand how eco-evolutionary processes impact the success of biological control. It will build from recent work by our team on understanding parasitoid-host coevolutionary dynamics by extending them to real-world multispecies systems. The specifics of the project will be developed collaboratively with the successful candidate, but we envisage it involving laboratory and greenhouse experiments to test how coevolutionary processes determine the success of insect herbivore suppression.
This project will be carried out under the umbrella of Bioprotection Aotearoa - a national Centre of Research Excellence that exists to train the next generation of bioprotection researchers and to deliver world-class research that protects the productive and natural landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. We draw on our collective academic strengths to develop new and innovative solutions that protect our productive and natural landscapes from climate change, pathogens, pests and weeds.
For our previous work that has shaped our thinking on this project, see also:
- Tylianakis J.M. & Maia L.F. (2020) Eco-evolutionary dynamics: The patchwork of evolutionary landscapes. Nature Ecology and Evolution. 4, 672-673.
- Tomasetto F., Tylianakis J.M., Reale M., Wratten S.D. & Goldson S.L. (2017) Intensified agriculture favors evolved resistance to biological control. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 114, 3885-3890.
- Laine A-L & Tylianakis JM (2024) The coevolutionary consequences of biodiversity change. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 39, 745-756.
- Casanovas P., Goldson S.L. & Tylianakis J.M. (2018) Asymmetry in reproduction strategies drives evolution of resistance in biological control systems. PLoS One. 13, e0207610
Who you are
We’re looking for someone with a masters degree in ecology, evolution or related discipline, including a significant (i.e. 1 year full time) research component. Once selected, the preferred candidate would then need to apply to study at The University of Canterbury and meet the institutional criteria for entry prior to the scholarship being confirmed (check whether you meet these requirements here).
Experience with culturing insects in the lab and evidence of motivation to publish would be an advantage. However, a background working with insects in a non-ecological context (e.g. physiology, genetics) would unfortunately not be a good fit for our group’s research.
We expect any new lab members to contribute to a positive and supportive lab culture, where everybody is respected and diversity is valued.
Who you will work with
You will be based in the lab group of Jason Tylianakis, which has a strong focus on understanding the impacts of environmental change on species interactions and nature’s contributions to people. Our lab is diverse and interdisciplinary in thought and approach, and strives to cultivate an open, safe and supportive environment that values creativity, diversity, integrity and collaboration. We would therefore welcome applications from under-represented groups.
Jason’s mentoring style entails open communication and regular support and input to help lab members achieve their individual vision of success. This typically includes individual meetings to discuss each team member’s research approximately weekly, plus weekly lab group meetings to learn from one another.
Funding notes
The 3-year PhD Scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZ$35,000 tax-free, and in addition covers full university tuition fees, plus the project has additional funding towards reasonable research expenses.
How you apply
To apply, please email a cover letter that addresses your research interests and experience and specific directions in which you would like to see this position go. Please also provide a Curriculum Vitae including contact information for three referees. Please combine your cover letter and CV as a single pdf file (with your name in the file name).
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with “PhD in eco-evo dynamics” in the subject line of your email.
The initial closing date for this position is 6 June 2025 (midnight, NZ time), but it may remain open beyond this date until a suitable candidate is found.