The Evolutionary Ecology Group at the University of Antwerp, Belgium (www.uantwerpen.be/eveco) is starting three new projects on the ecology of infections carried by small mammals (use the links to see the project summaries)

•BIODIV-AFREID: Biodiversity changes in African forests and Emerging Infectious Diseases: should we worry? (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/eveco/research/main-ongoing-project/new--biodiv-afreid--/)
•BioRodDis: Managing biodiversity in forests and urban green spaces. Dilution and amplification effects of rodent microbiome and rodent-borne diseases (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/eveco/research/main-ongoing-project/new--bioroddis--mana/)
•Co-infections, heterogeneity and behaviour: models and real rodents. (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/eveco/research/main-ongoing-project/new--co-infections--/)

We are looking for smart and enthusiastic PhD-students to work in these projects. We offer a starting grant of one year; extension may be possible, but we require each PhD-student to also apply for a competitive PhD-grant from the Flemish Research Foundation FWO (www.fwo.be).
We are on the outlook for candidates with excellent study results, an interest in population ecology, epidemiology and modelling and who are not afraid to combine field work with diagnostic work in the lab. Positions can start from March 2020 or soonest thereafter.

To apply, please send a cv and a brief motivation letter to herwig.leirs@uantwerpen.be before 31 January.