PhD student position in Evolutionary Genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A PhD student position in Evolutionary Genomics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Program of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se.

The Evolutionary Biology Centre (http://www.ebc.uu.se/?languageId=1) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in evolutionary biology. It is part of Uppsala University, which has been ranked very high among all European Universities in the subject of evolutionary biology. Our lab is part of the Program of Evolutionary Biology that excels in many aspects of genetics and evolution and offers an inspiring international atmosphere. There are ample opportunities for interaction with PhD-students, PostDocs and researchers working on related topics. We are tightly linked to the Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se/) and have access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, high performance computing resources and bioinformatics support.

Project description: Getting detailed understanding about proximate and ultimate causes to formation of reproductive isolation between diverging lineages is one of the major challenges in evolutionary biology. In the group, we use birds and butterflies as model systems and combine experimental work with bioinformatics analyses to investigate the genetic underpinnings of barriers to gene flow and traits that may play a role in species recognition, mate choice and local adaptation. The project will mostly involve bioinformatic handling of large data sets, for example population genomic analysis of whole genome re-sequencing data and gene expression quantification using RNAseq data, but also offers opportunities for experimental field- and/or lab work. Depending on the personal interests and qualifications of the candidate, the project can also be extended to address other fundamental questions in molecular evolution. At a later stage, the candidate may also choose to participate in other ecological genomics projects that are currently developing in the lab. For any further questions, please visit the lab website (http://www.ieg.uu.se/evolutionary-biology/backstrom/) or contact Niclas Backström (email: niclas.backstrom@ebc.uu.se).

Duties: The PhD training comprises four years of full time research including courses and literature studies..

Qualifications required: To be eligible for a PhD-student position the applicant must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in biology or a related field. Bioinformatic skills will be necessary to carry out the projects.  Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired: The ideal candidate is highly motivated and enthusiastic about evolutionary biology and has a good understanding of population genetics and evolution theory. Thorough experience with large-scale genetic analysis, bioinformatics, scripting and programming is advantageous. Computational and statistical training is also advantageous.

Position: The graduate program covers four years of full-time study. The position can be combined with teaching or other duties at the department (maximum 20%), which prolongs the employment with the corresponding time. The salary will be set according to local agreements. More information about postgraduate studies at Uppsala University is available at http://www.teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/. Rules governing PhD candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English

Access:  January 1, 2018 or as agreed upon.

Application: The application should include (1) A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant previous experience and your specific motivation for the position, (2) A short summary of your Master's (or comparable) studies, (3) A CV including potential previous publications and contact details of two scientific professionals, (4) Attested copies of your academic degree(s). The application should be written in English.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

For further information about the position please contact: Assistant Professor, Niclas Backström, niclas.backstrom@ebc.uu.se, +46-18-471 6415.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than December 10, 2017, UFV-PA 2017/3977.