Master Thesis: Biological control strategies against Drosophila suzukii using insect viruses

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 800 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.0 billion euros.

Master Thesis: Biological control strategies against Drosophila suzukii using insect viruses

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.de) currently operates 76 institutes and research facilities in Germany and is the world's leading organization for application-oriented research. Around 30,800 employees work on the annual research volume of 3.0 billion euros.

What you will do

In the department of Insect Pest and Vector Control of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Branch Bioresources (IME-BR), a position for a master thesis becomes available. The position is associated with aspects of biological control utilizing insect viruses against the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. The proposed Master's thesis aims to investigate the efficacy of insect viruses as a biological control agent against D. suzukii through a comprehensive approach integrating entomology, virology and molecular biology.

What you bring to the table

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biotechnology, agricultural sciences or a related discipline
Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions, biological control, viruses and entomology are preferred
Experience in lab work
Ability to perform team-oriented as well as independent work
Good communication skills in English, preferentially also in German

What you can expect

The successful candidate will be hosted in the research group “Biological control of D. suzukii” of Dr. Kwang-Zin Lee. The Fraunhofer IME-BR is providing state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups within Fraunhofer and the JLU.

This Master's thesis will contribute to advancing our understanding of biological control strategies against D. suzukii using insect viruses, offering insights into their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticide-based approaches. By integrating molecular biology, biotechnology and application of bioassays in lab experimentation and field trials, this research aims to provide valuable knowledge and practical solutions for the management of D. suzukii infestations in agricultural systems.

The weekly working time is 39 hours.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Bioresources institute branch

www.ime.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 73121 Application Deadline: 05/31/2024

Job Segment: Biology, Molecular Biology, Sustainable Agriculture, Scientific, Science, Agriculture, Research, Engineering

Apply now »