PhD student in evolutionary genomics

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.

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 in ecosystem functioning, particularly in cold environments, contributing significantly to biogeochemical cycles and trophic interactions. Yet lichens are little understood with many aspects of their biology and evolution still to be discovered.

The PhD candidate will work on the project ‘Evolution and biology of lichen photobionts’, within the group of Ioana Onut Brännström at the Department of Ecology and Genetics. The position is fully funded for four years. More information about her research can be found here: https://www.uu.se/institution/ekologi-och-genetik/forskning/evolutionsbiologi/onut-brannstroms-grupp

This PhD project aims to deepen our understanding of the biology and evolution of lichen photobionts. High-quality genomic resources will be aquired for common photobiont species to investigate their genomic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. To explore how photobionts are acquired and transmitted, the project will analyze the symbiotic composition of lichens from various geographic zones and climates, using a combination of metabarcoding, metagenomics and population genomics methods.

Throughout the doctoral program, the student will apply a wide range of bioinformatic methods, including phylogenomics and comparative genomics, while also performing photobiont culturing and molecular lab work to generate sequencing data. Parts of the project will involve collaboration with another lichen research group at IEG.

Duties
At the start of the PhD project, the selected candidate will be responsible for performing molecular laboratory work, including DNA and RNA extraction, preparing samples for sequencing using both short-read (Illumina) and long-read (PacBio and Nanopore) sequencing, establishing and maintaining axenic cultures of photobionts. Based on readily available and newly generated sequences, the PhD student will perform a wide range of bioinformatic analyses in order to understand the genomic features and population structure of lichen photobionts. In later stages, if the student wishes, the project can also expand to include experimental studies aim to understand photobionts adaptive abilities and advanced microscopy techniques to visualize the symbiotic composition of lichens.

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.

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, 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 have a strong grasp of key concepts in evolutionary biology with focus on population genomics and/or systematics. Proficiency in bioinformatics analyses, particularly in methods concerning population genetics, phylogenomic analysis, or comparative genomics, is essential. Experience with molecular lab work are highly desirable. Additionally, strong teamwork and interpersonal skills are important due to the collaborative nature of this PhD project.

We attach great importance to personal qualities, such as a passion for discovery, initiative, creative thinking and stressresilience. The ideal candidate should have a genuine interest for scientific research, thrive in a collaborative environment but also take initiative and responsibility for own tasks and projects. We seek a candidate that can stay motivated and efficient despite setbacks and disappointments and is able to embrace constructive feedback as opportunities for growth. Candidates must be able to express themselves very well in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired
Additional skills, such as the cultivation and maintenance of cultures, microscopy and experimental evolution work will be considered advantageous.

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 2024-01-20 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.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than December 12, 2024. UFV-PA 2024/3977.

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