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.
We are now looking for a PhD student in Molecular Ecology to the program Animal Ecology.
In the Animal Ecology program, we study the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of variation among and within animal species. Our workplace constitutes a large and international academic research and training environment. We strive to nurture stimulating discussions and interactions in English, which is our working language. We interact closely with other programs at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, and we have a broad international network of research collaborations with colleagues and organizations from different countries.
Project description
Animals carry a multitude of microorganisms that collectively constitute their microbiome. These microbes are incredibly important for a host as they provide essential nutrients, train the immune system, and communicate with the host’s nervous system. This doctoral project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the microbiome's role in wild animals, with a special focus on the Scandinavian wolverine, a key predator and scavenger in the Swedish fauna. The PhD student will analyze both the wolverine's diet (prey animals) and gut microbiome in detail using modern DNA sequencing in the form of metabarcoding. The plan is to evaluate whether the diet can predict the composition and diversity of the microbiome, describe the variation observed within the species, and investigate how individuals living in zoos differ from their wild counterparts.
Duties
Research and studies within the subject area, with a focus on the microbiomes of wild animals. A significant portion of the research will involve analyses of DNA metabarcoding data (both diet and microbiome) and associations between these datasets. The student will also need to establish communications with zoological parks and retrieve their samples. Tasks include writing scientific manuscripts and presenting the results at international conferences. Active participation in the research group's activities, including training of master students and involvement in various collaborative research projects, are other important aspects of the responsibilities of the PhD student.
Qualifications required
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must
- hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, microbiology, genetics, or another relevant field, or
- 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 candidate needs to be highly motivated with an interest in molecular ecology. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as an ability to work independently and organized, while also being able to work collaboratively within the research group and engage in different projects. Candidates must be able to express themselves very well in spoken as well as written English. Swedish skills are not necessary.
Qualifications desired
Experience in the programming language R, bioinformatics, and other genetic analyses are valuable, but not a requirement for this position. An interest in conservation genetics and a desire to learn more about animal microbiomes are highly recommended.
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 as soon as possible as agreed upon. 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: Dr. Elin Videvall, elin.videvall@ebc.uu.se.
Please submit your application by 11 March 2024, UFV-PA 2024/507.
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