PhD position in human population genetics of African populations - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

The position is placed in the Schlebusch research group within the Human Evolution Program at the Department of Organismal Biology (Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University). The Human Evolution Program, has a broad interest in population genetics and human evolution. The Schlebusch group is specifically interested in studying human history on the African continent and uses genetic data from modern day populations and ancient remains as a tool for the inference of African history. The group is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the European Research Council (ERC). The research environment is multidisciplinary with experts in ancient DNA, population genomics and computational biology. The group is international and English is the working language. See Dr. Schlebusch web-page for more information on the research and recent publications (http://www.iob.uu.se/research/human-evolution/schlebusch) and Human Evolution web-page for more information on the sub-Department (http://www.iob.uu.se/research/human-evolution/).

Duties/Project description: The spread of farming practices has had a marked influence on how humans are distributed around the globe today. Inferences about the spread of farming in Africa are mostly based on linguistic and archeological studies. Genome-wide studies started to make a contribution to research on the history of African farmers but many populations remain poorly represented, making detailed inferences problematic. The present study proposes to investigate spread of farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. The successful candidate will use genomic data (from current day populations and ancient remains) to infer to what extent the spread of farming to the various parts of the African continent, were driven by migrating people, where the people originated from, which routes were followed and the timeframe of the migrations.

Requirements: Completed university education of 240 university points (högskolepoäng, hp) out of which 60 hp on advanced level corresponding to master degree in relevant field. The ideal candidate is highly motivated with thorough education and strong interest in evolutionary genetics/genomics, population genetics and human evolution. Good knowledge of English in speech and writing. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as planning and organizational skills, accountability and accuracy.

Additional qualifications: Experience of work at molecular biology research lab or cleanroom. Experience of work with next generation sequencing methods, DNA extraction, PCR and DNA quantification. Experience and knowledge about human population genetics. Fieldwork experience (especially in Africa) and an interest/background in African history.

Position: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. The PhD position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to research. Other departmental work, such as teaching and administration, can be part of the position (maximum 20%) which then extends the position with corresponding amount of time. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University. Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, § § 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1. More information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Applications, applicants should include:
1) A letter of intent in which you describe yourself, your research interests and motivation why you would like to pursue a PhD (max. 2 x A4 pages, ideally shorter)
2) A short description of your education
3) Your CV (including publication list, if available)
4) A copy of your Masters certificate and course grades
5) Two references with names and contact information (phone and email)

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 01-03-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Carina Schlebusch, email carina.schlebusch@ebc.uu.se

Please submit your application by 2 January 2020, UFV-PA 2019/4554.

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