PhD Student Position in Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden

August 16, 2010

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PhD-student position in Biology with specialization in Evolutionary Genetics, profile subject Speciation genomics of a non-model bird species at the Department of Ecology and Genetics. Starting date: preferably in October 2010 or as agreed upon.

The Department of Evolutionary Biology is situated in the Evolutionary Biology Centre in Uppsala. The working atmosphere is international with English as the working language. The Evolutionary Biology Centre constitutes an exciting arena for multidisciplinary research in evolutionary biology in a broad sense, with research programs including ecology, systematics, genetics, genomics, and developmental biology. The successful candidate will join a research group led by Jochen Wolf which forms part of a recently launched Centre of Excellence, the Uppsala Centre for Evolution and Genomics (http://www.uceg.uu.se).

The study of speciation mechanisms remains one of the major challenges in fundamental biological research. The hybrid zone in Europe between Carrion Crows (Corvus [corone] corone) and Hooded Crows (Corvus [corone] cornix) is a text book example of speciation that has been studied from ecological, behavioral, and morphological perspectives. In contrast, the genetic architecture of the hybrid zone is poorly understood. The crow system represents a case of a very early phase of species divergence that requires new molecular approaches for its comprehensive description.

The research project uses several bioinformatical approaches to understand the underlying genetic foundation of this hybrid zone and to identify the few decisive genetic differences between the two taxa. These include a candidate (pigmentation) gene approach, whole genome shotgun sequencing and digital expression analysis.

The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, genetics, informatics or a related field. Experience in handling large sequencing data sets is beneficial, as the candidate will be involved in de novo assembly and annotation of a crow draft genome. This draft will then be used as a reference for re-sequencing several populations and to conduct population genomic analyses. Therefore, the project also requires a fundamental understanding of population genetic theory. Transcriptome work also offers the opportunity for the candidate to gain experience in the lab including the preparation of barcoded cDNA libraries for several sequencing platforms. The person should work well as part of a team but also independently, and be proficient in both written and spoken English. In filling this position the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment and the candidate shall primarily devote her/his time to own research studies. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative can be part of the position (max 20 %). The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University. Local guidelines at Uppsala University determine the salary levels.

The Evolutionary Biology Centre, which is one of the world’s leading research institutions in evolutionary biology, is situated in Uppsala in Sweden, a beautiful small city of that offers rich opportunities in cultural and outdoor activities. The culture and activities of the city are strongly influenced by the 40 000 students living there.

How to apply: The application should be written in English and should include a description of your main research interests and previous relevant experience (max 1-2 pages), a complete CV and two letters of recommendation.

Uppsala University is striving to achieve a more even gender balance and men are especially encouraged to apply.

For further information visit the research group´s website. Informal inquiries are explicitly welcome and should be directly addressed to Dr. Jochen Wolf: tel. 018-471 6468,
e-mail jochen.wolf@ebc.uu.se. Union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco-rådet, tel. 018-471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, tel. 018-471 1996, Stefan Djurström, Seko, tel. 018-471 3315.

The application should be sent, preferably by e-mail to: registrator@uu.se, or by fax +46-18471 2000, or by mail to: Registrar´s Office, Uppsala University, Box 256,
SE-751 05 UPPSALA, Sweden. In any correspondence please use the reference number UFV-PA 2010/1968. Application deadline on 1 September, 2010.

Further scholarship details:

Scholarship Tags: Biology, PhD, Sweden, University, Uppsala