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

Work duties

The large moss genus Bryum (at least 45 species in Sweden) is common in many habitats throughout Sweden, in particular in the agricultural landscape, in which changing management is a severe threat. Since the traditional taxonomy of the genus is largely based on reproductive characters, mosses found only as non-reproductive gametophytes can not be identified to species. Non-reproductive gametophytes are strongly overrepresented in nature, hampering our knowledge about frequency, distribution, conservation status and species delimitations. Our aim is to use NGS techniques applied at genomic level (RAD seq followed by SNP marker selection) during year 1-2 to investigate the diversity of non-reproductive Bryum populations for comparison with identified (herbarium) material with sporophytes or other reproductive structures during year 3. We will test if there are unknown species reproducing solely by fragmentation and/or if the non-reproductive populations belong to the species traditionally recognized based on reproductive characters. The expected outcome of the project during year 3-4 is to increase the knowledge about reproductive and evolutionary processes acting in Bryum including reticulate evolution. The genetic basis of taxonomically important characters will be assessed, in order to find new diagnostic morphological characters for non-reproductive Bryum. The much-debated taxonomy, both at the species and genus level, will be put to test and potentially improved.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To be admitted to the third-cycle programme in Biology the student must have passed an independent project (e.g. degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English. Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Biology may be considered for admission.

Additional requirements:

• Degree at Master’s level in plant biology or related subject.
• Good basic knowledge in plant systematics, especially bryology.
• Documented skills in bryophyte identification, especially meriting is experience with determination of the moss genus Bryum.
• Basic knowledge of evolutionary biology or phylogenetic studies and/or bioinformatics.
• Good ability to work independently under field conditions, to collect and register plants.
• Teaching skills.
• Experience of scientific and/or popular scientific writing.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for at least two references, letters of recommendation, etc.).