Background:
Lichen-inhabiting fungi are highly specialized organisms that contribute significantly to the diversity of lichen communities worldwide. They are particularly species-rich in habitats with long ecological continuity and of high value for nature conservation. Despite their relevance for biodiversity monitoring and research, we know surprisingly little about the lichen-inhabiting fungi occurring in Norway and Fennoscandia. Adding to limited field mapping, this is specifically due to the lack of modern taxonomic revisions in many species-rich phylogenetic lineages.
The project:
You will contribute to taxonomic research in selected groups of lichen-inhabiting fungi in Fennoscandia (e.g., Arthonia, Skyttea, Sclerococcum). The project includes field sampling in southern Norway, the identification and evaluation of morphological characters on fungarium collections, and DNA-based species-delimitation and phylogenetics. You will receive training in fungal species identification including microscopical examination of specimens, thin-layer chromatographical (TLC) analysis of secondary lichen compounds, and techniques needed for molecular-systematic analyses of natural history collections. You are invited to jointly publish the scientific results from your work including potential species new to science. You will become a member of the ISOP research group and work under the supervision of postdoc Andreas Frisch and Prof. Mika Bendiksby. ISOP values a positive, dynamic and collaborative working environment.