PhD student in Fungal Biology

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) is located in the Arrhenius Laboratories, situated at the University Campus at Frescati. Presently around 100 people, including 35 PhD students and 15 postdocs, in 25 research groups work at DEEP.

For more information about us, please visit: the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant sciences.

Project description

The Johannesson lab at DEEP makes use of the unique lifestyles of fungi to explore evolutionary questions about individuality and genetic inheritance. The group is now looking for a motivated PhD candidate in molecular biology of fungi. The PhD position is part of an ERC-funded project, which aims to investigate the phenomenon of early germline sequestration in (mushroom-forming) fungi. Until recently the prevailing assumption was that early germline sequestration was a trait almost uniquely found in unitary animals. This trait prevents the inheritance of somatic mutations accumulated during growth to be passed on to the next generation. Unexpectedly, the research group recently identified a pattern of early germline sequestration in the basidiomycete fungus Marasmius oreades, suggesting convergence in evolution of this key trait among major eukaryote lineages.

We invite applications for a four-year PhD position as part of the project on the mechanism of inheritance in basidiomycetous fungi. The project will focus on the spatial and temporal distribution of the soma and germline, and the mechanisms determining their separation. The project will have a strong emphasis on molecular biology techniques and microscopy. 

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.

Specific entry requirements The general syllabus for doctoral studies stipulates, that applicants must have completed at least 60 higher education credits in the second cycle, of which 15 credits must be from a course in one of the areas Ecology, Evolution or Plant Physiology, and 30 credits from a project in one of these areas. Applicants may also have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere. 

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:

• experience in molecular biology with fungi 
• familiarity with fungal genetics 
• strong collaborative skills and willing to work in a multidisciplinary team 
• initiative, independence and creative thinking 
• experience with (fluorescent) microscopy is an advantage 
• affinity with mushroom-forming fungi is an advantage 
• proficiency in spoken and written English

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 professor hanna.johannesson@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.