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

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

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

The program for Evolution and Developmental Biology is looking for a new doctoral student, main supervisor Zivile Zigaite. The PhD position forms part of ERC Advanced Grant project ERC-2020-ADG 101019613 "Tetrapod Origin". Zivile Zigaite is funded by this grant; the grant holder, Per Ahlberg, will be co-supervisor.

Duties/Project description
The PhD student will carry out geochemical analyses of bones and teeth of fossil tetrapods and associated vertebrates from the Devonian period. The purpose of these analyses is to investigate the environmental and palaeobiological signals contained in the oxygen isotope (δ18O) and Rare Earth Element (REE) profiles of the hard tissues. We will be looking above all at water salinity, but also other environmental parameters such as water temperature, burial conditions.

In practical terms, the student will undertake preparation of material for analysis, including sectioning and mounting, and will perform analyses including secondary ion mass-spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry at analytical facilities such as the NordSIM and the "Vegacenter" micro-analytical facilities at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm, and the Time-of-Flight SIMS facility at the Regional Platform of Surface Analyses RPSA, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. The student may spend extended periods of time at RPSA. The results and analytical conclusions will contribute towards the overall synthesizing goals of the ERC project, which aims to achieve an overall understanding of the origin of tetrapods as an evolutionary and ecological phenomenon. In addition to presenting their work in primary publications, the student will be invited to participate in this process and coauthor papers arising from it.

Qualifications
A master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area is required. First-hand experience of geochemical analysis of fossil vertebrates using high-resolution in-situ secondary ion mass-spectrometry (SIMS) techniques, especially δ18O analysis, is essential. Basic knowledge of REE and trace element data interpretation. The candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English.

Additional qualifications
Experience with laser ablasion inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) is desirable. Basic knowledge of French is a plus. 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. 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 is preferably 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.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Zivile Zigaite, Zivile.zigaite@ebc.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 1st February 2022, UFV-PA 2021/4929.

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.