Doctoral student in ecology with a focus on aquatic ecology

Welcome to Linnaeus University
Where knowledge grows.
We are an international university in Småland, Sweden. Together we set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development.

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The research activities within this multidisciplinary department include the areas of aquatic ecology, cell and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science and environmental engineering as well as zoonotic ecology. 

Field of subject for the appointment: Uncovering mechanisms inducing thiamine deficiency in top predatory fish.
Admission subject: The studies carried out in the project are designed to lead to a PhD in Ecology.
Placement city: Kalmar, Sweden.
Employment: Employment as a doctoral student is limited according to HF chapter 5 § 7. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent postgraduate studies full-time for four years. The position starts in April-June 2021. 

Job description
Thiamine (vitamin B1) dynamics and deficiencies of this vitamin are intensively discussed in the scientific literature and in media. We need research to understand the mechanisms regulating the transfer of this micronutrient in aquatic systems. This information will guide management of the food webs to reduce this environmental issue. Salmon in the Baltic Sea are periodically suffering from low reproductive output due to a thiamine deficiency syndrome called M74. Recent studies also suggest that cod is thiamine deficient. This project will therefore: Quantify thiamine and thiamine degrading enzymes in cod, salmon and their prey items in a wide range of systems. It will also disentangle the factors regulating thiamine dynamics in fish using mechanistic laboratory experiments. 

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote himself/herself to his/her own studies. An appointee may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, artistic development, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full-time post. 

Requirements 
A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she


• has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level or equivalent in Aquatic Ecology or other closely related fields;
• completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
• in other way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge. 

Specific requirements to this position are:


• A high proficiency in written and spoken English. 

Assessment grounds 

• Documented experience of working within the field of Aquatic Ecology
• Experience of:

• Scientific publishing
• Fish physiology
• Measurements in HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatography)
• Fish samplings and experiments
• Mechanistic laboratory experiments
• Molecular methods
• Matlab and/or R software


• General field experience
• Be able to solve problems
• Having the ability to work independently as well as interact well in a research group
• Driver’s license. 

For more information, please contact:
Head of department: Per-Eric Betzholtz, per-eric.betzholtz@lnu.se, +46-(0)480-446249;
Research leader: Samuel Hylander, Samuel.hylander@lnu.se;
HR partner: Stiina Salmgren, stiina.salmgren@lnu.se, +46-(0)480-446406. 

Union representatives can be reached through the university switchboard: +46-(0)772-28 80 00. 

Application:
Please apply through www.lnu.se. Closing date for application is February 22, 2021. Mark your application with reference number 2021/14-2.2.1.

 


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.