PhD in biology - Genetics of long-distance migration - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

It is firmly established that the migratory program of naïve song birds is genetically hard-wired. But which genes that encode for variation in migratory direction, distance and timing are yet to be identified. This research is now possible due to the rapidly improving methods in genomic ecology and by the possibilities to obtain details of the migratory path by using light-level geolocators. An excellent model for these questions is the willow warbler with its three subspecies that show remarkably different migratory patterns.

Job description

This project will take advantage of the variation of migratory patterns within the distribution range of the willow warbler that exhibits (1) a sharp migratory divide in Scandinavia, (2) a wider migratory divide south of the Baltic Sea and (3) a gradual change of migration patterns along its continuous distribution eastwards throughout Siberia. A high quality reference genome and already identified candidate regions (on chromosome 1 and 5) that associate with the geographic distribution of the migratory strategies make this project very timely.
The main focus will be to: (1) investigate how migration tracks obtained from light-level geolocators will correlated with the different genoptypic combinations on chromosome 1 and 5 (2) examine backrossed genotypes by whole-genome resequencing to identify SNPs that associate with the migratory tracks and (3) collect samples and re-sequence willow warblers from Siberia to explore how the postglacial range expansion have shaped the genome and in particular the gonomic regions that encode migratory traits.  The PhD student will have the main responsibility for the field work, and together with postdocs in the project, do the bioinformatic analyses. 

Qualifications

We seek a bright and highly motivated candidate with strong interest in this particular project. The successful applicant should have a Master degree in Biology, with specialization in migration ecology or molecular ecology. The candidate must have documented experience of species identification and capturing of wild passerine birds. A valid driving licence is essential for carrying out the project. The candidate should also have good analytical skills as well as good oral and written communication skills in English.
It is highly desirable that the applicant has documented experience of laboratory work using molecular techniques (PCR and Sanger-sequencing), bioinformatics (NGS-data) and a solid knowledge of basic statistical analyses in R. Experience with attaching light-level geolocators on small passerines and analysing such data is an additional desired qualification. Since part of the fieldwork will be carried out in Russia, the ability to communicate in Russian will be favoured among applicants that for other merits are deemed equally competent for the project.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.