PhD position in Systematics and Evolution (ancient DNA) at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University

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April 6, 2009

STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY announces a PhD position in Systematics and Evolution
(ancient DNA) at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University (placed at
the Molecular Systematics Laboratory, the Swedish Museum of Natural
History).

Project title: Genetic consequences of environmental change on the evolution
and demography of arctic species.

Final date for applications: May 4, 2009

Project description:
The overall objective of this PhD project is to investigate the impact of
environmental change on the evolution and demography in arctic species. This
will be done through genetic analyses on both modern samples and on DNA
retrieved from fossils up to 50 000 years old. The resulting genetic data
will be integrated with information on past distributions and climates, as
well as back-casted species distribution models. Specific questions that
will be examined in the project include i) the timing of extinctions and
demographic change in relation to past climate fluctuations, ii) when and
where populations diverged and species evolved, and iii) to what extent
local populations tracked changes in habitat availability when faced with
climate change. Potential model species include lemmings, arctic foxes,
reindeer and ptarmigan. The long-term aim of the project is to provide
increased knowledge on how habitat change drives the speciation and
extinction processes and, on a more practical level, to increase the
accuracy of models used to forecast the impact of future climate change on
biodiversity.
The project will be done within the ancient DNA research group at the
Molecular Systematics Laboratory (MSL) in the Swedish Museum of Natural
History. A part of the research carried out by the PhD student will be done
within the cross-disciplinary research network CLIMIGRATE, funded by the
European Union’s FP7 ERA-NET program BiodivERsA. The PhD degree will be
awarded in Systematics and Evolution at the Department of Zoology.
Dr. Love Dalén at the Swedish Museum of Natural History (MSL) will be the
main supervisor. Prof. Anders Angerbjörn at the Department of Zoology will
be co-supervisor.

Qualifications:
To be qualified for research studies in systematics and evolution the
applicant must have completed a research degree (e.g. Master’s), or have
passed in at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an
approved independent project in systematics and evolution of at least 30 hp
at advanced level (“examensarbete”). Applicants who have in principle
acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden or abroad, are also
qualified. That is, applicants who have a Master’s degree (“examensarbete”)
in an equivalent subject that is considered appropriate for this project are
also encouraged to apply.

Criteria for selection:
Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to the ability to
profit from the studies. The criteria to be used are the applicant’s
documented knowledge in subjects of relevance for the research area, ability
to master language (including both spoken and written English), analytical
ability, creativity, initiative, independence and ability to cooperate. The
basis for judgement of how well the applicant fulfils these criteria is: the
relevance of earlier studies for the research area, grades on courses at the
university level, the quality of the independent project (master thesis or
“examensarbete”), references, interviews and the applicant’s letter of
intent.
Previous experience in practical genetic analyses is highly desirable, and
knowledge in ecology, population genetics, past climates and environments,
and ecological modelling are considered as additional qualifications.

To be included in the application:
Maximum one A4-page of personal presentation and your reasons for applying
(letter of intent). Curriculum vitae. Copy of independent project report
(master thesis or “examensarbete”). Copy of degree certificates and
transcripts of academic records (all attested). Also provide a list of two
persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses).
Provide two copies of all documents and the thesis. To be considered, the
application labelled “PhD ref.no. 03/09 LD” must have arrived at the address
below by May 4, 2009.

Address to which the application should be sent:
Stockholms universitet
Prefekten
Zoologiska institutionen
106 91 Stockholm
Sweden

Terms of employment:
The research education comprises 48 months at full time. The position is
financed by a fellowship (“utbildningsbidrag”) for the first years, and then
continues with PhD-employment until the end of the PhD-program.. Up to 20%
of teaching may be included in the position. (If teaching is included, the
position will be extended).

Union representatives:
Bo Ekengren SACO, Lisbeth Häggberg ST, and Gunnar Stenberg SEKO. Phone: + 46
(0)8 16 20 00. PhD student representative e-mail: do@sus.su.se

For further information about the project, contact:
Assistant professor Love Dalén + 46 (0)8 519 542 81, e-mail:
love.dalen@zoologi.su.se

Further information on the web:
Stockholm University: http://www.su.se
MSL:

http://www.nrm.se/en/menu/researchandcollections/departments/molecularsystematics

The Department of Zoology: http://www.zoologi.su.se
A link to the announcement is available here:

http://www.zoologi.su.se/en/lediga-e.php

Scholarship Tags: ancient, Department of Zoology, DNA, Evolution, PhD, Position, Stockholm, Systematics, University