PhD Student in Evolution of Seasonal Camouflage

The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University includes about 80 employeese, including Researchers, PhD students and administrative staff. Research and education at the department occurs in an international environment and is focused on animal biology. Outstanding and high impact research is conducted in broad fields, from genomics to ecosystems, nerve cells to behavior and evolution to conservation. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Zoology.

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure. In Stockholm, the SciLifeLab Campus Solna serves as an extra shared campus of Stockholm Trio (KI, KTH, SU) and is the only SciLifeLab site that co-localizes researchers from multiple universities under one roof. By working together Stockholm Trio has been able achieve a significant critical mass, which has made the research environment at SciLifeLab Campus Solna competitive with the strongest life science centers in the world. The research environment is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and has a strong international profile. More information about SciLifeLab, please visit: SciLifeLab.

Subject area

The Department of Zoology invites applications for a four-year PhD position based at SciLifeLab in Stockholm. The project focus on characterizing phenotypic and genomic variation associated with seasonal camouflage variation in willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus). The analysis will combine state-of-the-art computer vision, modeling and archived specimens to determine biotic and abiotic factors driving spatial variation in molt phenology. It will use museum genomics to recover DNA from museum specimens and population genomics to study signatures of selection in populations with different mol phenology while accounting for demographic history. It will use comparative genomics to study the evolutionary history of molt phenology across related species of grouse. The project will also use functional genomics to study the regulatory mechanisms of molt phenology in grouse. The position will be associated with Assoc. Prof. Mafalda Ferreira’s research group located at SciLifeLab (Solna) and the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University.

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 the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Zoology stipulates that applicants must have completed at least 120 higher education credits in biology, and at least 30 credits from a degree project within population genetics, molecular systematics, evolutionary biology, ecology, bioinformatics or a similar subject.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation to apply for the position. In addition, experience in population and evolutionary genomics, bird ecology and seasonal biology, bioinformatics, working in a DNA laboratory, and tissue sampling in the field and/or museum collections are relevant qualifications.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

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 Mafalda Sousa Ferreira, mafalda.ferreira@zoologi.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.