Thesis supervisor: Géza Balázs Selmeczy
co-supervisor: Kálmán Tapolczai
Location of studies (in Hungarian): University of Pannonia Abbreviation of location of studies: PETTK
Description of the research topic:
Zoosporics parasites are important driving factors in aquatic ecosystems, often causing severe host mortality. The impacts of such parasites can significantly affect natural algal communities in natural and artificial aquatic systems but may also have severe effects in microalgal industry. Despite the importance of these organisms, the scientific literature regarding their occurrence and the drivers of zoosporic diseases is scarce.
The aim of the present PhD program is to investigate the Chytrimidiomycota fungi group (chytrids) as one important group of zoosporic parasites. Chytrids are parasites of several phytoplankton species and the only eukaryotic parasite of cyanobacteria. The PhD candidate will investigate chytrid infection of natural and artificial water bodies using both microscopical and molecular methods. Additional biotic and abiotic parameters of the water bodies will be analysed in order to study the environmental conditions associated to chytrid infection.
The PhD candidate will be potentially involved in a European project (Cost Action CA20125 – Application for zoosporic parasites in aquatic systems) through participating in short-term scientific missions, workshops and conferences.
Required language skills: good communication in English Further requirements: MSc in Biology or Environmental Sciences