PhD student in Ecology

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

Innate immunity of waterfowl - from genes to function.

Job description

The extent to which naturally occurring polymorphisms in immune genes result in individual differences in pathogen susceptibility remains an open question. While inbreeding has been linked to increased disease susceptibility in many species, it is not currently known whether low heterozygosity in general, or at specific immune loci, is responsible. ß-defensins are key effector molecules of the innate immune repertoire of higher vertebrates, including birds. Their primary mode of action is the disruption of microbial membranes. However, they are increasingly recognised to have multifaceted roles in immune defence. ß-defensins represent an ideal system for the study of host ecoimmunology. Firstly, they have a direct role in killing invading pathogens, and secondly, the functional peptide is encoded by a single exon of 36-38 amino acid residues. These genes thus represent a tractable and biologically relevant tool for elucidating the genetic basis for host immunity. The current project aims to build on knowledge of ß-defensin allelic variation within and between wild populations and species in order to develop an in vitro model for assessing host-pathogen interactions. Based on allelic profiles the student will compare the bactericidal properties of defensin alleles in their native conformations. This work may involve folding and oxidation of native peptides, liquid chromatography, structure determination based on NMR data, and development of bioassays for testing. The successful applicant will interact with other students and researchers within EEMiS, a multidisciplinary center of excellence within Linnaeus University that comprises expertise in ecology, evolution, and microbiology.

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.

Entry requirements

A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she
•has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level
•has completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
•in another way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge.

The Higher Education Ordinance also states a transitional regulation for qualification for admission to third-cycle level, valid until 2015.

Requirements – Transitional regulation

A person who fulfils the conditions for general requirements (bachelor degree and 60 "old" credits in the subject) for admission to third-cycle education prior to July 1, 2007, should also henceforth be considered qualified for admission to education at third-cycle level. This should be the case until 2015.

Relative importance of assessment criteria
1.Experience of innate immunity or ecoimmunology research
2.Experience of molecular biology techniques
3.Experience of protein/peptide chemistry
4.Overall suitability of the applicant to the research groups

Placement location

Kalmar

For more information, please contact

Professor Jonas Waldenström (jonas.waldenstrom@lnu.se) +46(0)-480-446195; Dr Joanne Chapman (joanne.chapman@lnu.se) +46(0)-480-447394; 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.

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 candidate should also provide contact details (including telephone number and e-mail address) of two referees. Candidates with background in molecular ecology research, especially on innate immunity, and experience of molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics, are encouraged to apply. Excellent English skills, both verbal and written, are required. Applications should arrive no later than July 31, 2015. Mark your application with reference number PA 2015/292-2.2.1


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 on the closing day.