[CLOSED on Sep 13, 2023] Two (2) open positions of international doctoral students at Ehime University, Japan in Molecular Ecology and Health lab (Opened on July 24, 2023)

ALREADY CLOSED on Sep 13, 2023!

​Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Lab of Ehime Univ., Japan (PI: Prof. Kozo Watanabe; lab URL https://www.mecohlab.com/ ) is advertising for two (2) opening positions of international (non-Japanese) doctoral students with full financial support for the two research areas: 1) Freshwater Biodiversity and 2) Vector Mosquito Ecology. Applicants need to specify one research area that they want to study on their application letter. In both research areas, previous experiences of molecular laboratory analysis (e.e., DNA and RNA analysis), and/or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis are advantage.

MECOH Lab's introductory video (Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1d2OQmHOU0

Description of the positions:
 
Research Area 1: Freshwater Biodiversity
The successful candidate will conduct field research using stream organisms (invertebrates or bacteria) and environmental DNA (eDNA). Bioinformatic analysis of NGS data such as metabarcoding, metagenomic, ddRADseq and/or transcriptomics will be mainly used for understating of biodiversity (genetic and species diversity) and evolutionary patterns.
 
Research Area 2: Vector Mosquito Ecology
Ecological and epidemiological study of vector mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti) transmitting dengue virus and other arboviruses in tropical and subtropical countries. The successful candidate will conduct genetic analysis of vector mosquito, such as population genetics analysis and metagenomic analysis (virome and bacteriome) of mosquitoes, by combining fieldwork.
 
Application deadline and start date of the position:

• Application deadline: the 20 September, 2023 or until the positions are filled - up.
• Start date of the position: Between November 2023 – March 2024 (flexible and late start also negotiable)

 
Eligibility:

• Only non-Japanese nationals are eligible to apply for this position (Japanese nationals are not eligible).
• There is no age limit.
• Master's degree in related fields is required before the start date of the said position (not by the time of application).

 
Contract details:

• Duration of contract: Maximum of 4 years and 6 months.
• Full financial support (stipend, tuition, and round-trip ticket) is guaranteed by MECOH’s research projects, and can also be complemented by additional support from scholarships from private foundations in Japan.
• The candidate should be able to work independently, with very good or excellent English communication skills, and can work harmoniously with a team of multi-disciplinary field.

 
Application and selection processes:

• Applicants are encouraged to send the files below to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ( watanabe.kozo.mj@ehime-u.ac.jp ).

1. CV (any format)
2. Application letter within 3 pages that explains the applicant’s past research activities and motivation to study in the MECOH lab (any format)
3. PDF of the published paper/s if the applicants have any reviewed Journal publication/s.

 

• Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from Prof. Watanabe within one week from the application date (not immediate response). If the applicants don't receive any reply, please contact Prof. Watanabe again for your confirmation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be requested for online interview (PPT based presentation and QA). Details will be provided via email.
• Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by Prof Watanabe via email.

 
If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above.