PhD student in Evolutionary Genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.

A PhD student position in evolutionary genomics, with specific focus on biology and evolution of lichen photobionts is now available within the Evolutionary Biology Program at IEG.

Project description

Lichens, symbiotic organisms composed of fungi, photobionts (algal partners), and bacteria, play crucial roles, particularly in cold environments, contributing significantly to biogeochemical cycles and trophic interactions. Recent scientific evidence suggests that lichen photobionts play decisive roles in lichen adaptation to different environments, yet the mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive genomic data on lichen photobionts has resulted in limited understanding of their biology and evolution, ranging from species diversity and distribution ranges to genome characteristics and adaptive abilities.

This project aims to address significant gaps in lichen biology and evolution. Specifically, the doctoral student will investigate the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and genomic features of lichen photobionts. Additionally, the student will study the population structure, distribution ranges, and dispersal mechanisms of the most common lichen photobionts—the green algal species from the genus Trebouxia. This research will establish a solid foundation for future lichen studies and has the potential to yield groundbreaking insights into the biology and evolution of one of the most important yet poorly understood lichen symbiotic partners—the lichen photobionts.

Throughout the doctoral program, the student will learn and employ a combination of bioinformatic methods, molecular lab work, culturing techniques, and experimental studies of photobionts, alongside microscopy techniques. The student will integrate methods from phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and population genetics to analyze the data.

Ioana Onut Brännström's research encompasses various aspects of lichen evolution, from studying the phylogeography and mating system of lichenized fungi to exploring the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on lichen photobionts.

Duties
The selected candidate will be responsible for performing molecular laboratory work, including DNA/RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, library preparation, and sequencing using short and long read sequencing technologies. Additionally, the PhD-student will be tasked with growing and maintaining Trebouxia axenic cultures, conducting experimental evolution studies on cultures, analyzing different types of ‘omics’ data, and utilizing microscopy techniques to describe the morphological characteristics of identified Trebouxia species.

We anticipate the candidate to actively participate in the everyday activities of the research group and at the Program/Department.

Qualifications required
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Evolutionary Biology, Systematic Biology, Population Genomics, or a related field
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The applicant should master the main concepts in evolutionary biology and/or systematics. Proficiency in, or a keen interest to learn, molecular lab work, cultivation and maintenance of algal cultures, and bioinformatic analyses is essential.

We attach great importance to personal qualities, such as a passion for discovery, initiative, creative thinking and stress-resilience. The ideal candidate should have a genuine interest for scientific research, thrive in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate initiative and responsibility in managing their own tasks and projects. We are seeking someone who can maintain motivation and efficiency even in the face of setbacks. The candidate must be able to express themselves very well in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired
Additional skills, such as wet lab techniques, basic knowledge in Linux and other computer languages.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §7. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2024-05-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

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

For further information about the position, please contact
Researcher, Group Leader, Ioana Onut Bränntröm, ioana.brannstrom@ebc.uu.se.

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for the position (maximum of 2 pages), 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your master's degree and your course grades, along with a copy of your master's thesis, 5) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and 6) any publications if applicable. The application should be written in English.

Please submit your application by 18 Mars 2024, UFV-PA 2024/510.

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