PhD position in Evolutionary Genomics

PhD position in Evolutionary Genomics - Morphology and Genomics of Hidden Fungal Diversity

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 ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.

We are now looking for a PhD student in evolutionary genomics, with specific focus on hidden fungal diversity within the Evolutionary Biology program at IEG. The project is led by Dr. Anan Rosling. The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years.

Project description
Global estimates suggest that less than 5% of the true fungal diversity is currently described, largely because the majority of the up to 5 million fungal species on earth have no visible fruiting structures and cannot easily be cultured using established methods. Because the hidden majority of species defy established protocols for species recognition, we cannot effectively communicate about the majority of fungal species, many of which are frequently and abundantly detected in environmental samples. The proposed project uses species hypotheses built on environmental DNA (eDNA) data for targeted high-resolution microscopy and single cell genomics to infer evolutionary history and life cycle dynamics of hitherto undescribed fungal species and lineages.

We are looking for a PhD student who will study hidden fungal diversity. The project focuses on the Archaeorhizomycetes which, based on environmental DNA data, is a species rich and abundantly occurring class of soil and root associated fungi. The project aims to contribute important basic understanding of species diversity and genomics in this ubiquitous group of fungi. It is also conceptually important for developing protocols for modern fungal taxonomy with eDNA as an important source of data for species discovery and recognition.

Duties
The PhD student will be expected to conduct field work, prepare soil samples for single cell sorting, prepare and maintain axenic cultures and do molecular laboratory work preparing samples for sequencing with modern NGS technologies. The project will include generating targeted high-throughput amplicon data, whole genome sequencing of axenic cultures, method-development for extracting single cells from soils, and visualize them using advanced microscopy. The student is expected to learn to analyze the produced data, write scientific articles and a thesis and take courses relevant to the research project.

PhD-students at IEG are encouraged to enroll in teaching. The levels and content of teaching depend on the availability of teaching duties and the interests of the student, but will in general not exceed 20% of full-time employment and mainly consist of teaching assistant roles in different undergraduate courses offered by the biology section. Teaching adds additional time to their contracts.

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

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in evolutionary biology, genetics, microbial ecology, systematic biology, mycology, bioinformatics, or other relevant field, or
• 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.

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as curiosity and drive for continuous learning and problem solving, scientific maturity, resilience, ability to take initiative and work both independently as well as in a group. Candidates must be able to express themselves very well in English, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications desired
Familiarity with fungi and/or soil and root associated microbial symbionts will be advantageous. Experience in molecular laboratory work, bioinformatic analyses and advanced microscopy are meriting.

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 as soon as possible, as agreed. Placement: 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.

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

For further information about the position, please contact
Anna Rosling, Anna.Rosling@ebc.uu.se, +46(0)18 471 64 44.

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 (Max 2 pages), 2) your CV including a brief description of your education, 3) a copy of your master's degree and your course grades, along with a copy of your master's thesis, 4) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and 6) any own publications if applicable. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than August 30, 2024. UFV-PA 2024/2096.

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