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

Project description and Work Duties
Connecting the ecologic and genomic features of fungi to their decomposition mechanisms. Comparative genomics has offered us an extraordinary opportunity to understand fungal evolution and connect genomic features of fungi to their ecology. However, the connection between decomposition mechanisms, ecology and genes still remains only partly understood. The major goal of the project is to gain a molecular level understanding of litter and wood decomposition mechanisms of saprotrophic mushrooms using spectroscopic and scattering methods. A wide set of species representing different ecological niches, decay mechanisms, and evolutionary history will be examined covering this way species with diverse genomic and ecologic characteristics. Through decomposition laboratory experiments on lignin, cellulose, chitin, and complex substrates such as wood, libraries of spectroscopic and X-ray scattering data will be generated and analyzed to subsequently deduce and identify important spectral signals (“decomposition signatures”). Furthermore, the effect of environmental factors such easily available nitrogen and carbon sources on the decomposition activity of fungi on cellulose, lignin, and chitin will be examined. The project will provide significant insights in the physiology and ecology of fungi, but also in the mechanistic aspects of organic matter decomposition, which is connected to the use of fungi in biotechnological applications. Part of the work duties will include laboratory work in combination with acquisition of spectroscopic data, data analysis and presentations, and preparation of manuscripts.The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also/can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). You will primarily work with your supervisor Dimitrios Floudas

Addmision Requirements
Candidates should have obtained an advanced university degree (M.SC. or equivalent experience) in Biology, Environmental Science, or equivalent fields. Earlier experience in vibrational spectroscopy, microbiology or fungal biology, as well as documented experience with research and laboratory work are desired merits. Proficiency in English is required.
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.

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.

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, relevant publications can also be enclosed, including accepted academic papers and research theses
e.g master thesis, contact information, phone and email for at least two references, letters of recommendation, etc).

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