PhD student (4 years) in Evolution of toxicity in birds and frogs
Location Stockholm, Sweden (Swedish Museum of Natural History)
Organization Swedish Museum of Natural History - Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics
Type of Contract 4-year PhD position (Full-time, temporary)
Main Description This PhD project focuses on exploring the convergent evolution of toxicity in New Guinean passerine birds and Neotropical poison dart frogs. The research will combine:
- Field and manipulation experiments
- Comparative genomics
- Transcriptomics
- Chemical analyses
Key research areas:
- Determining the source and adaptive significance of BTX in toxic birds
- Identifying genomic adaptations for toxin storage and transport
- Evaluating gut microbial symbionts' role in toxin uptake
Optional fieldwork opportunities at Copenhagen Zoo or in Papua New Guinea.
Requirements Essential:
- MSc degree in biology or related fields
- Documented knowledge in relevant research field
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable experience in:
- Population genetics theory
- Molecular lab techniques
- Whole-genome DNA sequence data analysis
- Museum sample sequence data
- Bash command line and Python/R
- High-performance computing clusters
- Biodiversity research
Personal competencies:
- Analytical thinking
- Collaboration skills
- Creativity
Benefits/Conditions
- Full-time position
- Start date: According to agreement
- Location: Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm
How to Apply Application deadline: March 3, 2025, 23:59
Required documents:
- Cover letter (max 1 page)
- CV
- Publication list and academic work
- Bachelor's and Master's degree diplomas with transcripts
- English proficiency documentation
- 2-3 references with contact details
- Optional: 1-2 page research proposal
Supervisors:
- Knud Jønsson (NRM)
- Kasun Bodawatta (University of Copenhagen) Collaboration with Christine Beemelmanns (Hans Knöll Institute, Leipzig)
For inquiries contact: Knud Jønsson Head of department
Reference number: 51-2025
