PhD student, research subject Biology with specialization in Ecology

The position is based at the Department of Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. The Department of Ecology conducts internationally strong empirical and theoretical research and education for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Solutions are sought that will mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services and control pests in managed agricultural, forested and urban landscapes. Active dissemination, outreach and frequent contacts with stakeholders are key activities.

See also: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/

Characterizing molecular and behavioural immunity in honeybees
Description:
The Department of Ecology (SLU) is looking to recruit a PhD candidate to work on a research theme related to characterizing the immune system and responses of the honeybee to be able to understand trade-offs and adaptations happening in populations evolving resistance/tolerance. Are you interested in understanding social insect immunity and host-parasite interactions in a scientifically and societally relevant field of honeybee health? Would you like to collaborate internationally and communicate with stakeholders? Then this PhD position should be of interest to you. Our doctoral education aims to develop your creative and analytical thinking and to strengthen your research, communication, and outreach skills. The position will be placed within the internationally distinguished honeybee research group where the successful candidate will be offered a stimulating context with colleagues who focus on various aspects of bee health and have an extensive collaborative network.

The goal of this project is to produce a comprehensive overview of the ecological immunity of honeybees by combining phenotypic and genomic measurements. The successful candidate is expected to carry out supervised research leading to a PhD thesis within this topic as well as taking PhD courses to the equivalent of 45 credits. This will involve characterize individual immunity across various life stages; setting up field experiments to examine and evaluate different behavioural and physiological traits of honeybees in relation to their biological performance specifically relating to disease resistance and tolerance; exploring immunity trade-offs that may potentially result from resistance in order to develop mitigation strategies to improve honeybee health and the resilience of beekeeping. RNA-seq will also be used to look at gene expression variation between phenotypes.

Qualifications:
The successful applicant is required to have completed an MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology / Ecology / Evolutionary Biology / Molecular Biology or similar subject. Skills in planning, executing, and reporting scientific studies, as well as experience with statistical analyses are meriting. The applicant should have the ability to work both independently and in a team. Proven ability to communicate excellently in written and spoken English is essential. A driving license is required. Experience working with honeybees and molecular assays /genomics will be considered of high additional merit.

Place of work:           
Uppsala.

Form of funding or employment:
Employment as a PhD student for 4 years.

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
The written application shall contain:

A letter of motivation, describing the applicants previous academic and professional experience and motivation in relation to the project


• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of degree incl. transcript of academic records
• Copy of degree thesis
• A list of two reference persons familiar with the applicant’s qualifications.
• Certified knowledge of the English language

We welcome your application no later than April 30th, 2022, use the button below.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grade equivalent to English B/English 6 is a basic requirement. Selection among applicants is made with reference to the written application including curriculum vitae, dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, reference persons, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Personal merits will play a significant role in the recruitment process.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

Read more about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se