PhD position in fungal evolutionary genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

The PhD-position is placed in the Johannesson research group within the Systematic Biology Program at IOB. The Johannesson group uses a combination of genomic and experimental approaches to study eukaryote genome evolution. We use fungal model system, primarily ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, to challenge general evolutionary paradigms. The group is international and English is the working language. See Johannesson’s web-page for more information on the research and recent publications (https://www.iob.uu.se/research/systematic-biology/johannesson/publications/).

Duties/Project description: This PhD project aims to elucidate the determinants of mutation rates in eukaryotes. Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation among and within species. Hence, the mutation type, rate and fitness effect are critical parameters for understanding adaptation and species diversification. At the same time, mutations have important medical implications, being a critical factor for, e.g., ageing and the dynamics of cancer cell development. An organism’s combination of basic biological traits, such as cell fate and longevity, is predicted to determine the ability of mutations to accumulate and transmit over generations, but the mutational processes and factors driving their variation are still poorly understood. To date, detailed information on specific mutation types exists only in a few species, and comparisons between species often rely on different kinds of data from highly divergent lineages. The PhD-project will be planned and developed after the interest of the candidate, and may include experimental and/or bioinformatic approaches.

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 and population genetics. 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: In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

Position: The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Other departmental work, such as teaching or administration can be part of the position (maximum 20 %). Salary placement is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University.

Information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, 2) a short description of your education, 3) a CV, 4) a copy of your master degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two reference persons, 6) relevant publications (including master thesis). The application should preferably be written in English.

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.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 2020-09-01 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: Hanna Johannesson Hanna.Johannesson@ebc.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by 31 july 2020, UFV-PA 2020/2556.

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.