PhD Thesis on Trematode Population Genetics in Côte d'Ivoire

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a public institution with the mandate to contribute to the improvement of the health of populations internationally and nationally through excellence in research, services, and teaching and training.

Your assignments

We are looking for a highly motivated student for a PhD Thesis on Trematode Population Genetics in Côte d'Ivoire. The student will investigate the transmission dynamics of all Fasciola and Schistosoma species occurring in humans and animals in Côte d'Ivoire. The thesis will primarily be based in Basel but includes field trips. The student is expected to develop/optimize methods for DNA extraction, storage and analysis from single parasite eggs in animal and human stool and urine, establish optimal population genetic markers for Fasciola and Schistosoma species, and analyze parasite population structure and transmission dynamics in Côte d'Ivoire using population genetic approaches.

Your profile

The ideal candidate combines the following qualifications:

• master's thesis on a related topic,
• high level of self-reliance and stress tolerance,
• willingness to work under difficult conditions,
• desire to collaborate with others both locally and internationally,
• hands-on experience with basic molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing),
• hands-on experience with population genetics and phylogeography,
• excellent written command of English,
• experience in writing scientific publications,
• good oral command of French and German.

 

We offer you

We offer a challenging SNF-funded PhD position in the Human and Animal Health Unit, a very diverse group with long-running links to our partners in Côte d'Ivoire. The PhD student will collaborate with other scientists at Swiss TPH and in Africa.