PhD position in Molecular Ecology

Umeå University - with its 29,000 students and over 4,000 employees - is an organisation in constant change and development.The university's researchers carry out excellence within several areas of research, and many of them are among the world's elite.We are one of Sweden's largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes.Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here.We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.PhD position in Molecular Ecology The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science has about 170 members including 50 PhD students.For more information see the department's homepage: www.emg.umu.se/en.See also www.umu.se/english for a general presentation of Umeå and the University. A PhD student position is available within the project Importance of allelic variation in homoploid hybrid speciation in plants.This project utilizes a unique hybrid pine species complex and gene families that play important roles in stress tolerance to address fundamental questions in homoploid hybrid speciation and ecological innovation.By combining population genetic approach with molecular functional study, we explore the genetic mechanism associated with hybrid speciation.Results from this project are relevant to understanding the relationship between genetic variation and ecological diversification.PhD students normally spend 90% of the year to their studies/research, also taking part in other work at the department, doing 10% teaching (or administrative duties); the position will then last for 4 years and 5 months.The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7).Prerequisites include either i) 240 ECTScredits (swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe.poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS-credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007 or equivalent competence.The PhD student needs to be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, be able to work independently and self-motivated, as well as in collaboration with others.Practical experience in molecular biology, population genetics, cytogenetics and bioinformatics are merits.The application should include: 1) A signed letter of application describing yourself and motivation for your application (no more than one A4 page).2) CV, including a list of university courses with grades.3) One to two reference names with contact details.4) A copy of degree project report.5) Other relevant documentation and any publications you wish to support your application.Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-286-09, should be sent to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive April 16, 2009 at the latest.We look forward receiving your application!