PhD student in systematic biology - 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.

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The position is placed in the research group of Fabien Burki (https://www.burki-lab.net/) within the Systematic Biology program at the Department of Organismal Biology (Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University). In the Burki lab, we study the broad diversity of eukaryotes, which is mainly microbial, to understand some of the main transitions in broad eukaryote evolution such as the origin of plastids. This position is within an ERC-funded project: Establishing a new framework of plastid evolution derived from the characterization of novel diversity of unicellular eukaryotes

Project description
The Burki lab was recently awarded an ERC Consolidator grant (PlastidOrigin) that aims to study one of the most transformative events in eukaryote evolution–the origin of the photosynthetic organelles (the primary plastids). The main aim of this PhD position is to characterize novel environmental diversity that diverged near the origin of Archaeplastida–the supergroup of eukaryotes where plastids were established more than 1.5 billion years ago. We aim to identify and phylogenetically resolve microbial lineages that have never been seen before in order to produce a comprehensive evolutionary framework for the origin of plastids that include this crucial environmental diversity. A suite of methods will be employed, including long-read metabarcoding, single-cell transcriptomics, metagenomics, phylogenomics, cultivation, microscopy.

Duties
The position involves lab work and bioinformatics. Lab work may include: sampling, cell isolation, imaging with advanced microscopy, cell-sorting, attempts for cultivation of interesting cells in enrichment cultures, and library preparation for metabarcoding and HTS sequencing. Bioinformatics includes analysis of diversity datasets, phylogenetics, analysis of genomic datasets, phylogenomic. Disseminate results in appropriate formats, including leading peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Training will be provided when necessary.

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 to the project. Expertise and knowledge in microbial sampling as well as handling and culturing protist cells are beneficial. Background in eukaryotic diversity will be seen as highly valuable. A suite of methodologies will be used as described in the project description and are desirable attributes of the candidate. In particular, proven expertise in bioinformatics (e.g. phylogeny, genomics) and use of a scripting language (Python, R) are essential. A global assessment of the expertise will be made based on the candidates. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as high-motivation, planning and organizational skills, problem solving and good collaborations and communication skills with team-members and other researchers. The applicant should have documented experience and proficiency in oral and written presentation in English.

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 are typically 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/.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2023-01-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Fabien Burki; fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by 20th of October 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3349.

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