PhD student in Primate Speciation and Population Genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A PhD student position in Primate Speciation and Population Genomics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology.

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.

Project description: Our group is broadly interested in understanding how long-term evolutionary and short-term human-mediated processes shape biological diversity. The advertised project has the goal to study primate evolution from multiple angles and on different evolutionary time scales.

You will have the chance to study population and species level processes in a number of primate taxa using newly generated and publically available genomic data. Research topics include, but are not limited to:

1. i) Speciation genomics and the role of ancient hybridization in driving species diversity. You will focus on a group of highly diverse African monkeys (guenons) that are renown for their ecological, morphological and karyotypic diversity and readily hybridize in captivity and the wild. Although the main focus will be on speciation genomics, there are possibilities to extend this project to include cytogenomics, morphological and ecological analyses, depending on the candidate’s interests.
2. ii) Population and conservation genomics. Using target DNA capture from fecal samples you will study genetic diversity, population structure, demography and local adaptation in wild primate populations. The generated insights will have direct relevance for conservation decision making.

The exact project will be developed with the successful candidate and tailored towards their interests and skills.

Duties: The selected candidate will mainly engage in large-scale phylogenomic and population genomic analyses that require solid bioinformatics skills, but will also conduct work in the wet lab to produce genomic sequencing data from non-invasively collected low-quality samples. Duties include active participation in the research group activities, training of junior group members in relevant techniques and engagement in collaborative projects.

Qualifications required: To be eligible for a PhD-student position the applicant must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or a related field. The technical skills of the candidates will be evaluated based on the experience with large-scale sequence analysis, bioinformatics proficiency and experience with phylogenomic and population genomic studies. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and documented knowledge in evolutionary biology, with a drive to understand processes shaping species diversity. Perseverance and high intrinsic motivation are required to work on non-model organisms using difficult samples and data. You will be highly reliable, driven and well-organized, curious and willing to think outside the box, with the ability to quickly acquire new skills. Candidates must be able to express themselves well in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired: Previous experience with wet lab molecular techniques, ideally with low-quality samples, is highly desired.

Application: The application should include 1) a cover letter describing your research interests, your proficiency with molecular laboratory techniques and programming, experience in handling genomic data, other technical skills relevant for the project, as well as other qualifications that makes you a suitable candidate, 2) your CV, including any produced publications, 3) a copy of your master degree, your course grades and a copy of your master thesis, 4) the names and contact information of two-three reference persons (e-mail address and phone no; you are welcome to include this information at the end of your cover letter or as attachment under point 6 of the online application form). As the application form requires you to upload “Description of your education” under point 2, you are welcome to upload your CV here, as long as it provides the relevant information. You are also not required to fill out other tabs, as long as your CV covers the relevant points. The application should be written in English.

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

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: 01-04-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

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

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Associate Professor Katerina Guschanski katerina.guschanski@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 2673.

Please submit your application no later than February 24, 2020. UFV-PA 2020/247.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.