PhD Position in Natural Science, specialising in Biology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg, and at the marine research station-Kristineberg. The current position is placed in the Botanical garden.

Project description
The general aim is to understand the assembly of rainforests in time and space. The specific focus of the research will be developed together with the supervisor, but could include (1) inferring spatial patterns of phylogenetic endemism and or adaptive potential to facilitate conservation, (2) sequencing ancient DNA from lake sediments to understand human impact on rainforests, (3) demographic modelling of abundant species to infer community assembly through time.

The student will be hosted in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Christine Bacon. There will be ample opportunity for collaboration with other scientists in the Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre. The project is linked to the strategic research area Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate (http://www.becc.lu.se), which hosts a research school that will be open for the recruited PhD student: ClimBEco (http://www.cec.lu.se/climbeco-graduate-research-school).

Job assignments
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodology experience, analytical skills, and theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include:


• Phylogenomics: using target sequence capture to develop phylogenies
• Macroevolution: leveraging phylogenies, fossils, and Bayesian models to infer the tempo and mode of divergence
• Population genomics: inferring adaptive potential for conservation prioritization

The studies will may include field and laboratory studies, depending on student interest. Training will be provided but the student should be keen to learn any new skills required.

 

Eligibility
To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements. A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he/she:


• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must:


• have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
• have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
• have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant subject for the planned third-cycle education is biology.

Assessment
Rules regarding education and employment on a doctoral level you will find in Högskoleförordningen (HF, SFS 1993:100). Only applicants who are admitted to the postgraduate level may be hired. Upon appointment the degree of ability to successfully complete the PhD program must firstly be evaluated.

We are seeking a motivated, independent person for PhD studies in biology with emphasis on tropical plant evolution.

Essential attributes:


• Knowledge of basic evolution
• Creative thinking
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a group

Desired attributes:


• Specialization in molecular systematics or genomics
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and or programming in R or Python
• Experience with scientific publication

For further information and how to apply 
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/main?site=7&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7〈=UK&rmpage=job&rmjob=17584. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.


In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.