PhD student position in Animal Ecology

PhD student position in Animal Ecology

PhD student position in Animal Ecology at the Department of Zoology.
Reference number SU FV-2470-14. Deadline for applications: October 1, 2014.

Project: Evolutionary relevance of non-genetic inheritance
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in
evolutionary ecology to take part of the research project “Epigenetic
inheritance and its evolutionary consequences on the genetic architecture
of complex traits”, with financial support from the Swedish Research
Council. The project aims to investigate central biological questions on
how non-genetic (e.g. “epigenetic”) parental effects influence the
expression of complex traits. Such epigenetic effects may be induced by,
for example, environmental conditions or the interactions between the
nuclear DNA and the cytoplasmic DNA. Understanding epigenetic effects has
implications for core evolutionary processes  such as heritability,
maintenance of genetic variation and speciation. Still, we have only a
rudimentary understanding of how evolutionary processes are affected by
these epigenetic effects. Using  two study systems (Drosophila and
Poeciliid fishes) and combining experimental manipulations with molecular
methods the project will explore how non-genetic parental effects can be
caused by either the cytoplasmic DNA or environmental conditions. The
project also aims at investigating the inheritance of these epigenetic
effects, and how they affect evolutionary processes – an important and
exciting field in biology. The PhD project involves experiments, molecular
lab-work and statistical analysis.

Qualifications
To be qualified for research studies in animal ecology the applicant must
have completed a research degree (e.g. Master’s), or have passed at least
120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an approved independent
project of at least 30 hp at advanced level (“examensarbete”) within
ecology, evolutionary biology or related subjects. Applicants, who have in
principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden, or abroad, are
also qualified.

Criteria for selection
Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to the ability to
profit from the studies. The criteria to be used are properly documented
competence within the described research area, capabilities with regards to
speaking and writing in English, analytical thinking, creativity,
initiative, independence, and team work performance. Experience with
statistical analysis is an advantage. The applicant’s earlier experience
within the field of research can be of relevance especially when further
documented by university courses, independent research works, personal
references, interview and an application indicating the applicant’s
motivations in written form.

Terms of employment
The PhD studies include 48 months of full-time studies with employment as
PhD student. The salary starts at 23.700SEK/month.

Information
Contact for further details Dr. Bjorn Rogell, bjorn.rogell@zoologi.su.se,
at the Department of Zoology.

Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
telephone: +46-(0)8-16 20 00 (switchboard), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone: +46-(0)70-316 43 41.

Application
The application should contain:

    maximum one A4-page of personal presentation and letter of
intent/motivation
    CV (including methodological skills)
    copy of independent project thesis
    copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records
(attested)
    contact details for two academic referees.

In order to apply for this position, please use the Stockholm University
web-based application form (where it is possible to select language).

Link:
http://www.su.se/english/about/vacancies/phd-studies/phd-student-position-in-animal-ecology-1.201806

Welcome with your application no later than October 1, 2014.

Björn Rogell