PhD position in Ecology, Department of Zoology, Stockholm University
Ref. No. SU FV-2502-16
Closing date: 01/10/2016
http://www.su.se/english/about/vacancies/vacancies-new-list
Conservation genomics in a critically endangered Arctic mammal.
Many populations are currently declining and face an increased risk of going extinct. A small population size is associated to genetic threats such as inbreeding depression and accumulation of deleterious alleles due to genetic drift. According to the mutational meltdown theory, these processes can lead to loss of genome-wide diversity and reduced individual fitness that in turn can have negative population-level consequences and increase the risk of extinction. Other micro-evolutionary processes such as dispersal and natural selection can however counteract or alter the impact of mutational meltdown. We are now hiring a PhD student who will use population genomics to investigate these processes in the critically endangered Scandinavian arctic fox.
The Scandinavian arctic fox population was decimated to a remnant of its´ historical size 100 years ago and has despite legal protection still not recovered. Inbreeding depression is documented to reduce both reproduction and survival, but the underlying genetic mechanism as well as how inbreeding interacts with other evolutionary processes, especially in the context of cyclic resource environment (i.e. lemming cycles) remains unknown. Understanding this interplay is a key factor in the future conservation of the arctic fox. The aim of this PhD project is to disseminate the processes that determine the evolution in this small population, with specific emphasis on the interplay between inbreeding depression and genetic rescue in a fluctuating environment. This will be accomplished by combining genomic analyses on a population with long-term pedigree and fitness data.
Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, 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.
In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the applicants must have completed a Master degree (or equivalent) or have passed at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an approved independent project of at least 30 hp at advanced level within Zoological Ecology or a related subject. Applicants who have in principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden or in another country are also qualified.
Good knowledge in theoretical conservation genetics and ecology as well as practical experience of fieldwork, laborative DNA analysis and handling high-throughput sequencing data are considered important qualifications for this project.
Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to the ability to profit from the studies. The criteria to be used are properly documented competence within the described research area, capabilities with regards to speaking and writing in English, analytical thinking, creativity, initiative, independence, and team work performance.
Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.regelboken.su.se.
Terms of employment
The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.
Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.
Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
For more information, please contact Karin Norén, telephone: +46 8 16 40 34,karin.noren@zoologi.su.se.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone: +46 8 16 20 00 (operator), Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone: +46 70 316 43 41, and PhD student representative: fredrik.c.l@sus.su.se.
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system by clicking the "Apply" button. 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.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter
- CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
- Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
- Degree projects/theses (no more than 3 files).
