PhD student (4 years) in Evolution of toxicity in birds and frogs
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Organization: Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics
Contract Type: 4-year PhD position
Main Description: The Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics is offering a four-year PhD position focused on exploring the convergent evolution of toxicity in New Guinean passerine birds and Neotropical poison dart frogs.
The project will combine field and manipulation experiments with comparative genomics, transcriptomics and chemical analyses. The student will work on:
- Determining the source of BTX and its adaptive significance in toxic birds
- Identifying genomic adaptations allowing for storage and transportation of toxins in both birds and frogs
- Evaluating the roles of gut microbial symbionts in toxin uptake and host adaptations
There is the possibility (not mandatory) to participate in fieldwork at the Copenhagen Zoo or in Papua New Guinea.
Requirements: Essential:
- MSc degree in biology or related fields
- Documented knowledge in a relevant research field
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable experience in:
- Knowledge of population genetics theory
- Molecular lab techniques (DNA extraction, DNA sequence library preparation)
- Analysis of whole-genome DNA sequence data (Nanopore, PacBio, and/or Illumina)
- Generation and analysis of sequence data from museum samples
- Proficiency in bash command line and Python/R
- Working with high-performance computing clusters
- Strong interest and experience working with biodiversity
Personal competencies:
- Analytical thinking
- Ability to collaborate
- Creativity
Benefits/Conditions: Working at Sweden's largest museum with:
- Access to collections of over 11 million specimens
- International collaboration opportunities
- State-of-the-art research facilities
How to Apply: Submit the following documents:
- Cover letter (max 1 page) with statement of interest, scientific work summary and qualification alignment
- CV summarizing education, positions, and academic work
- List of publications and academic work (including MSc thesis if available)
- Bachelors and Masters degree diplomas with transcripts
- English proficiency documentation (if applicable)
- 2-3 references with contact details
- Optional but beneficial: 1-2 page research proposal
The Swedish Museum of Natural History values diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
For more information: http://www.nrm.se
