PhD student in Evolutionary Systems Biology

The Department of Zoology is one of the departments within the Faculty of Science and has approximately 80 employees 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 a variety of fields, including evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, genomics, conservation, and behavior.
More information about us, please visit: the Department of Zoology.

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure. In Stockholm, SciLifeLab is located on Campus Solna, where research groups from Stockholm University, the Royal Institute of Technology, and the Karolinska Institute conduct internationally outstanding research in the life sciences.

Subject area

The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University invites applications for a four-year PhD position based at SciLifeLab, in the research group of Assistant Professor Lisandro Milocco. Our group is fascinated by one of biology’s deepest questions: how does development—the process by which genes and environments build organisms—shape the potential for populations to evolve? We study how developmental dynamics can both open up and restrict evolutionary possibilities, and how this knowledge can help us better understand, predict, and even influence evolutionary change. We approach these questions through an interdisciplinary lens, with a strong focus on mathematical and computational methods closely connected to evolutionary theory and biological data. Read more about our research themes and approaches here: www.scilifelab.se/researchers/lisandro-milocco/.

The specific PhD project will be developed jointly with the successful candidate, based on their background and interests. Possible research directions include:

1. Quantitative genetics and phylogenetics: incorporating developmental constraints into evolutionary models and exploring how they shape patterns of variation.
2. Modeling development from data: using time-series and comparative datasets to build dynamical models that link developmental processes to evolutionary outcomes.
3. Predictability of evolution: creating integrative models that combine genetic, phenotypic, and environmental data, testing when and how evolution can be forecast.

As a PhD student in our group, you will gain hands-on experience in computational and mathematical modeling and data analysis, while contributing to fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. We welcome applicants with training in biology or related quantitative fields (mathematics/physics/computer science) applied to biology. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Lisandro Milocco.

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.

For specific entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral level education in zoology, the applicant must have completed courses of at least 120 credits in biology, or equivalent, and have completed and been approved in an independent project in biology, or equivalent, of at least 30 credits, at advanced level. Exceptions to the specific entry requirements can be made.

Selection

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest and motivation for science and evolution. 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, quantitative skills (e.g., programming, statistics) or a willingness to develop them will be considered particularly important for this project.

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 or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Asst. Prof. Lisandro Milocco, lisandro.milocco@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. Please include copies of your highest completed degree(s) and a list of the completed courses with grades. 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.