Doctoral student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Two PhD positions are currently available in the Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Insect Interactions research group (EEPII) at Lund University (https://www.biology.lu.se/research/research-groups/evolutionary-ecology-of-plant-insect-interactions).

The EEPII research strives to understand the evolutionary forces driving diversification and adaptation in species interactions among plants and plant-feeding insects. We combine genomic, evolutionary and ecological studies to ask and answer questions about the distribution, diversification and conservation of biodiversity within and among species, and in particular how these patterns and processes are affected by the interaction between plants and insects. Our research bridges the gap between zoology and botany by integrating studies of animal- and plant biodiversity.

See also: (https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:302793/).

We strongly encourage interested candidates to apply for both positions. Please note that this requires two separate applications.

Project desciption

Changes in species interactions as a consequence of global environmental change and habitat destruction are common, but their consequences are poorly understood. Pollinators, herbivores and other antagonists play key roles in plant evolutionary divergence and speciation, and changes in communities of interactors will often lead to strong selection on plant traits mediating those interactions. In this project, we aim to better understand the processes by which plants adapt to changes in interactor communities. The tropical genus Dalechampia exhibits remarkably diverse pollination systems, including repeated shifts between pollination by resin-collecting female bees and fragrance-collecting male euglossine bees. This diversity provides an ideal opportunity to better understand pollinator shifts within and between reward systems. A specific focus of the current project is the evolution of fragrance reward systems, which has evolved independently at least three times in Dalechampia.

Work description

The PhD candidate will combine field studies, quantitative-genetic studies in the greenhouse, and macroevolutionary studies aimed at understanding the evolution of fragrance rewards in the genus Dalechampia. The candidate will be part of the research group of Dr. Øystein Opedal, who is co-PI of the Lund University research group on the Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Insect Interactions. The group comprises three senior scientists, 4 postdocs, 5 PhD candidates (including this position) and several MSc students and research assistants.

Qualifications

• To be eligible the applicant must hold a University degree equivalent to a MSc in a biological discipline, and a strong background in evolutionary ecology.
• The degree should include some form of statistics courses.
• The applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English
• An interest in developing skills in R programming is a requirement. Documented ability to independently develop, modify and use R programming is meriting. 
• A genuine interest in evolutionary biology and an interest in science and a future academic career are meriting, and courses with evolutionary and quantitative-genetic perspectives are appreciated.

Practical experience from planning and conducting experiments and field work with plants and/or plant-pollinator interactions and problem solving skills and ability to work independently are important qualities. Strong motivation and willingness to cooperate are also important qualities. The candidate is expected to have obtained a Swedish drivers license or equivalent which is valid in Sweden within 6 months of the employment.

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§.