Are you looking for PhD opportunities in Agricultural Biotechnology with a focus on entomology and sustainable agriculture? The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Italy is offering two fully funded PhD positions starting in November 2025. These programs are ideal for students passionate about pest management, molecular biology, and ecological fieldwork.
Join one of Europe’s most innovative research teams and work on real-world problems affecting apple orchards in South Tyrol, Italy.
🐛 PhD Position 1: Ecological Study of Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) in Organic Apple Orchards
🔍 Research Overview:
This project focuses on studying the infestation patterns of woolly apple aphids in apple orchards. These pests pose a significant threat to organic apple production in the South Tyrol region.
🎯 Project Objectives:
- Investigate ecological and agronomic factors influencing aphid spread.
- Apply multifactorial modeling techniques on extensive field data.
- Develop eco-friendly and sustainable pest control strategies for local farmers.
✅ Candidate Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Ecology, or Biotechnology.
- Experience with field surveys, data analysis, and ecological modeling.
- Valid driver’s license (for independent fieldwork).
🛠️ Key Research Activities:
- Conduct orchard phenology and soil surveys.
- Analyze physiological and ecological data.
- Perform statistical modeling using multifactorial approaches.
🧬 PhD Position 2: Molecular Identification of Parasitoids in Asian Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) Eggs
🔍 Research Overview:
This PhD position explores the molecular ecology of parasitoid wasps in the egg masses of the invasive Asian stink bug. It aims to support biological pest control programs.
🎯 Project Objectives:
- Assess the effectiveness of Trissolcus japonicus as a biological control agent.
- Investigate interactions between native and introduced parasitoids.
- Use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to uncover cryptic parasitoid species.
✅ Candidate Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Strong background in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
- Field experience and proficiency in English.
🛠️ Key Research Activities:
- Collect stink bug egg masses in the field.
- Rear parasitoids in the laboratory.
- Conduct DNA-based analysis of unhatched eggs.
🌍 Why Choose the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano?
- Located in the scenic Alps with access to diverse ecosystems
- Trilingual teaching environment (English, Italian, German)
- Access to the renowned Competence Centre for Plant Health
- Collaborative research with Schuler Lab and Laimburg Research Centre
- Strong focus on applied, interdisciplinary research
📅 Important Application Information
- Application Deadline: June 11, 2025, at 12:00 noon (CET)
- Start Date: November 2025
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend)
- Location: South Tyrol, Northern Italy
📧 Contact for Informal Inquiries:
Dr. Hannes Schuler
📩 Email: hannes.schuler@unibz.it
🔗 Visit the Competence Centre for Plant Health
🔗 Explore the Schuler Lab
🔗 Apply via the Official PhD Program Portal
📌 Quick Summary Table
| Position | Research Focus | Funding | Start Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD 1 | Woolly Apple Aphid Ecology | Fully Funded | Nov 2025 | South Tyrol, Italy |
| PhD 2 | Molecular Biology of Parasitoid Wasps | Fully Funded | Nov 2025 | South Tyrol, Italy |