Doktorand i ekologi inriktning mot akvatisk virus ekologi

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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.

Project title

The ecological importance of non-tailed phages in marine environments: From genomics to nutrient recycling

The research project

Tailed phages with double-stranded DNA are generally recognized to dominate phage communities in a variety of environments. However, recently it was shown that this is not the case in the global ocean. Instead, in the marine environment non-tailed phages were recently discovered to dominate, and currently we lack knowledge regarding who they are, whom they infect, and whether they have a different impact on nutrient and carbon cycling compared to the more studied tailed phages. The aim of this project is therefore to investigate the diversity, functional attributes, and metabolic potential of non-tailed phages from marine environments. The project will involve genomic characterization and investigation of phage host interactions on isolated model systems. Further, metagenomic data and experimental work will be used to pin-point the importance of these phages within the microbial loop.

Applicants should have a minimum of a good undergraduate degree (240hp/240ECTS of which 60 should be on advanced level). Basic requirements for post-graduate studies are laid out in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen), Chapter 7. Candidates with experience in research in microbial ecology, especially using phage biology techniques, molecular biology approaches and bioinformatics, are encouraged to apply. English skills, both verbal and in writing, is required.

The PhD studies are limited to 4 years (100%) but may be extended to 5 years through teaching at the undergraduate level. Successful completion of the post-graduate studies will lead to a PhD in Ecology with emphasis in microbiology. The position is located in Kalmar, Sweden.

For further information please contact Assistant Professor Karin Holmfeldt (karin.holmfeldt@lnu.se) +46-(0)480-447308; Professor Jarone Pinhassi (jarone.pinhassi@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-446212; Head of Department Per-Eric Betzholtz (per-eric.betzholtz@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-446249; or Personnel Officer Ulrika Petersson (ulrika.petersson@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-446996.

Union representatives may be contacted via the university switchboard at +46-772-288000.

The application (in English) should contain a CV (with telephone and e-mail), documentation of exams and grades, a description of motivation and experiences relevant to the research project and any other documentation that the applicant would like to present. The candidates should also provide contact details (including telephone number and e-mail address) of two reference persons. Applications should arrive no later then April 15, 2015.


Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.