PhD student in Environmental Science focusing on gut microbiome of Daphnia

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 190 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focus on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science, you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

The Exposure and Effects Unit is home to an international group of researchers in several fields of (eco)toxicology, including microbiome’s involvement in stress responses of various organisms, their impacts on the host physiology, life histories and population persistence. This PhD student position is available to study microbiome-mediated responses to hazardous substances in field and laboratory settings. The focal organisms are aquatic invertebrates harbouring diverse bacterial communities and facing various environmental challenges.

Project description

Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitter-like compounds that influence the nervous system and contribute to the host's normal physiological performance. One such transmitter is dopamine. In Daphnia magna, a small crustacean used as a model organism in ecotoxicology, the role of gut bacteria in dopamine production and functioning remains unclear. We anticipate that certain environmental chemicals will impact the capacity of gut bacteria to synthesize dopamine, potentially causing neurological and physiological imbalances in Daphnia.

The position will be associated with several ongoing projects on microbiome in ecotoxicological context. The candidate will interact with senior scientists involved in these projects, and other PhD and Master students. In addition to classic microbiology, advanced techniques, such as high- resolution mass-spectroscopy, metabolomic analysis, and next-generation sequencing, will be used in this research.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to successfully pursue the research education. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English

The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and socially skilled candidate that enjoys working in a collaborative environment. The candidate should be able to work independently and have knowledge in how to ask and interpret scientific questions and to critically review the results. Since the applicant will work in a highly international environment, good communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential. We are looking for candidates with a solid background in environmental chemistry and mass-spectrometry. Previous experience with microbiological and invertebrate cultures, animal work, molecular assays and/or bioinformatic will be considered an advantage for the position.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the post

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Rehab El-Shehawy, telephone: +46 704 165 685, rehab.elshehawy@aces.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!